"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."
"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.""
Nicolás Maduro displayed a pronounced public devotion to FC Barcelona, blending club imagery into his political persona and public appearances. He appeared on state television in a bright blue FC Barcelona tracksuit and joked about being 'signed' as a 'refuerzo' for the squad, even shouting 'Visca el Barça! Catalán!' Maduro showed visible emotional investment in players, notably Lionel Messi, reacting strongly to Messi's 2021 exit and describing himself as having 'cried alongside him' while praising Messi as a great sporting glory.
Read at Barca Universal
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