Following the news of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s arrest this weekend, the world’s media focused intently on the geopolitical ramifications of the end of the era.
Yet, in the midst of the infamous picture shared by United States (US) President Donald Trump, of Maduro’s capture, not many know of a rather soft side of the Venezuelan leader: His love for FC Barcelona and 8-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.
For years, Maduro was perhaps the most vocal and certainly the most powerful Cule(Barcelona fan) in South America.
His love for the club wasn’t just personal; it was deeply woven into his persona.
Maduro’s Love For FC Barcelona
Perhaps the most surreal image of his tenure occurred in March 2020. As the world locked down in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Heads of State globally took to television in sombre suits and ties to deliver grave news.
Maduro, on the other hand, appeared on Venezuelan state television wearing a full, bright blue FC Barcelona tracksuit.
In a video released shortly after, he jokingly pointed to the club crest on his chest, claiming he had been “signed” by the club as a “refuerzo” (reinforcement) for the squad.
“Visca el Barça! Catalán!” he shouted, a surreal moment of levity from a leader whose country was facing a dire health crisis.
Crying For Messi, Support For Luis Suarez
Maduro’s connection to the club appeared to be emotionally genuine, particularly regarding the South American stars.
When Lionel Messi was forced to leave the club in August 2021 due to financial regulations, Maduro took the departure personally.
“What they did to Messi was ugly,” Maduro said during a televised address. “I cried alongside him. When I saw him crying, I cried because he is a good, authentic boy, a great sporting glory of the world.”
He went on the offensive against the Joan Laporta administration in FC Barcelona. Viewing the transfer through his ideological lens, he accused the club’s board of exploiting the Argentine legend.
“They used him to make as much money as possible… and then they gave Messi a kick,” he added.
Years earlier, during the 2014 World Cup, Maduro became one of the few world leaders to vocally defend Uruguayan megastar Luis Suarez after the infamous biting incident involving Giorgio Chiellini.
While the world condemned the then Liverpool FC striker, Maduro framed Suarez as a victim of persecution.
“They can’t forgive Uruguay that a son of the people has eliminated two of soccer’s big nations,” he said, referring to Suárez’s goals against England and Italy.
For Maduro, the Clasicos (matches between FC Barcelona and bitter rivals Real Madrid) were often more urgent than his country’s economy.
In February 2016, during a dense speech on new economic measures and currency reform, he abruptly stopped his flow to celebrate a milestone by the “Flea” (Messi).
Upon hearing Messi had scored his 300th league goal, Maduro shouted “Viva Messi and Viva Catalunya!” to his confused cabinet Ministers.
He then proceeded to poll the room, asking the Generals and Ministers to raise their hands if they supported Real Madrid or Barcelona.
*PHOTO CAPTION: President Maduro in a Barcelona FC tracksuit.
*This piece was culled from Barca Universal.
