Ronnie O’Sullivan, a snooker legend, recently spoke about the importance of style and substance in sports, noting that he loves watching soccer superstar Lionel Messi because of his incredible skill and talent. Messi, considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, added the World Cup to his already impressive trophy cabinet in 2022 with Argentina. O’Sullivan also praised tennis great Roger Federer for making the sport look easy, similar to how Messi does in football.
When asked about the significance of titles in terms of legacy, O’Sullivan mentioned that there are those who focus on numbers and figures, while others simply appreciate watching someone play a sport brilliantly. He believes that players like Federer and Messi are able to appeal to both camps, satisfying their fans with their exceptional performance on the field or court. O’Sullivan emphasized that what matters most to him is the legacy a player leaves behind and the entertainment they provide, rather than the number of trophies they lift.
O’Sullivan’s fellow snooker player Jimmy White also supported his view on Federer, comparing him to other tennis greats like John McEnroe and Pete Sampras. White highlighted the ease and elegance with which Federer played, contrasting him with players like Novak Djokovic who may have more titles but lack Federer’s grace and finesse on the court. White described watching Federer as a “walk in the park” and a form of poetry due to his exceptional skill and style of play.
As a seven-time world champion, O’Sullivan is tied with Stephen Hendry for the most all-time victories at the Crucible. O’Sullivan will be looking to break this record and secure his eighth world title when the World Championship begins on April 20. Fans can catch all the action live on Eurosport and discovery+, where they can witness O’Sullivan’s quest for another historic win. O’Sullivan’s admiration for artists like Federer and Messi, who excel in their sports with their style and skill, reflects his own appreciation for the beauty of sporting excellence.
