Ronnie O’Sullivan expresses admiration for Roger Federer and Lionel Messi: “They bring me joy on the field”

Ronnie O’Sullivan shared his admiration for athletes who excel in both style and substance, particularly noting his love for watching Lionel Messi play football. He believes Messi is arguably the greatest footballer of all time, silencing his critics by winning the World Cup with Argentina in 2022. O’Sullivan also praised Roger Federer for his effortless mastery of tennis, likening him to Messi in the football world.

When asked about the importance of titles in terms of legacy, O’Sullivan acknowledged the two camps of fans – those who focus on numbers and those who appreciate skill and artistry in sports. He emphasized the significance of leaving a lasting legacy based on the way you play, rather than just the trophies you win. O’Sullivan highlighted the joy he finds in watching athletes like Messi and Federer compete, regardless of the number of titles they have won.

O’Sullivan’s sentiment was echoed by snooker legend Jimmy White, who compared Federer’s playing style to poetry on the tennis court. White pointed out the contrast between Federer’s graceful approach and the more calculated dominance of players like Novak Djokovic. Both O’Sullivan and White believe that winning titles is not the only measure of greatness in sports, underscoring the importance of entertainment and artistry.

As O’Sullivan prepares to compete in the World Championship, he aims to secure an eighth title to break the record he currently shares with Stephen Hendry. With his passion for both the sport of snooker and the artistry of athletes like Messi and Federer, O’Sullivan embodies the idea that legacy is about more than just winning titles.