Nicolas Maduro is a fan of Lionel Messi
Embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro is a staunch Barcelona supporter who has publicly declared his affection for the Catalan club on several occasions.
Maduro was arrested by the United States and is set to face trial on charges relating to narco‑terrorism, cocaine trafficking, and other offenses.
Despite his predicament, he remains an avid football fan who closely follows Barcelona and its superstar Lionel Messi.
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Maduro once 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, before shouting: “Visca el Barça! Catalán!” meaning “Long live Barça! Catalan!”
Maduro’s connection to the club appeared emotionally genuine, particularly regarding South American stars.
When Lionel Messi was forced to leave Barcelona in August 2021 due to financial regulations, Maduro expressed his pain and anger over the decision.
“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 to lambast the Joan Laporta administration, accusing them of exploiting the Argentine great whose exploits at the club remain unmatched.
“They used him to make as much money as possible… and then they gave Messi a kick,” he added.
For Maduro, El Clásico was often more urgent than the economy.
In February 2016, during a lengthy speech on new economic measures and currency reform, he abruptly paused to celebrate a milestone by the “Flea.”
Upon hearing Messi had scored his 300th league goal, Maduro shouted “Viva Messi and Viva Catalunya!” to his cabinet ministers, leaving them confused.
SB/AE
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