Following the news of Nicolás Maduro’s arrest this weekend, the world’s media focused on the geopolitical implications of the end of the Bolivarian era.
However, in the infamous photo of Maduro’s arrest that was shared by Donald Trump, FC Barcelona takes you inside a little-known side of the Venezuelan leader: his love for FC Barcelona.
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Maduro may be the most vocal man over the years, and certainly the most powerful Culler in South America. His love for the club is not just personal; It’s deeply woven into his character.
As his government faces the final curtain, we look back at the moments the head of state traded his belt for. Blaugrana Jersey.
Nicolas Maduro’s love for FC Barcelona
Perhaps the most surreal sight of his tenure occurred in March 2020. As the world went into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, heads of state around the world, dressed in stately suits and ties, took to television to deliver the big news.
Maduro, on the other hand, appeared on Venezuelan state television wearing a full bright blue FC Barcelona tracksuit.
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In a video released shortly after, he jokingly pointed to the club badge on his chest and claimed he had been “signed” by the club as a “refuerzo” (reinforcement).
“Visca el Barça! Catalonia!” he shouted, a surreal moment of relief from a leader whose country is facing a serious health crisis.
Cry for Lionel Messi and offer support to Luis Suarez
Maduro’s connection to the club appears to be emotionally genuine, especially for the South American star.
In August 2021, when Messi was forced to leave the club due to financial regulations, Maduro personally ordered his departure.
“What they did to Messi was ugly,Maduro said in a televised speech. “I cried with him. When I saw him cry, I cried because he was a kind, real boy and a great glory in world sport.”
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He launched an attack on Laporta’s government. He viewed the transfer from an ideological point of view, accusing the board of taking advantage of the Argentine legend.
“They used him to make as much money as possible… then they gave Messi a kick,” he added.
A few years ago, during the 2014 World Cup, Maduro became one of the few world leaders to publicly defend Luis Suarez after Giorgio Chiellini’s infamous biting incident.
While the world condemned the Uruguayan striker, Maduro framed Suarez as a victim of persecution.
“They cannot forgive Uruguay, a man of the people who knocked out two big football countries,” he said of Suarez’s goals against England and Italy (h/t Reuters ).
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For Maduro, El Clasico Often more pressing than economics. In February 2016, during an intensive speech on new economic measures and currency reforms, he suddenly stopped his speech to celebrate the “flea” milestone.
Maduro shouted after hearing Messi score his 300th league goal “Long live Messi, long live Catalonia!” To his confused cabinet ministers.
He then began polling the room, asking generals and ministers to show their hands whether they supported Real Madrid or Barcelona.