Maradona trial hears masseur allege medical neglect

Proceedings over the 2020 death of football icon Diego Maradona continued on Thursday in Argentina, with testimony from his former masseur focusing on what he said were visible signs of rapid physical decline in Maradona’s final days.

Nicolas Taffarel told the court that Maradona was confined to bed, had pronounced edema, and appeared to have accepted that his situation was not improving. He described a person he said was increasingly unwell and largely inactive at the end of his life.

Taffarel’s account of symptoms and warnings

Diego Maradona

In his testimony, Taffarel said he repeatedly raised alarms with the medical team about Maradona’s worsening condition. He cited swelling in Maradona’s legs, as well as what he described as Maradona’s refusal to eat and a lack of personal hygiene. According to Taffarel, those concerns did not lead to what he considered meaningful action. He told the court he did not see concrete intervention by the seven healthcare professionals who are currently on trial for potential negligence. The court also heard audio presented as evidence in which Taffarel urged medical staff to increase their presence. In that recording, he was told the symptoms would resolve, according to the testimony described in court. Death, defendants, and the case timeline

Maradona died at age 60 from heart failure and acute pulmonary edema. The court heard that his death came two weeks after he underwent surgery. Seven healthcare professionals are facing trial, with potential prison sentences of up to 25 years if convicted. The defendants have maintained that their roles were limited and that their specializations did not make them responsible for the clinical causes of Maradona’s death. The case is centered on whether the care provided met professional obligations and whether any failures amounted to negligence under Argentine law, as presented in court. The proceedings are expected to continue throughout the month. What remains disputed in court Taffarel’s testimony set out a sharp version of events that places emphasis on repeated warnings and an absence of visible response, while the defendants argue the boundaries of their responsibility. The trial is continuing, and the court is still hearing evidence and accounts from those involved.

Implications

Country Impact: The trial is a high-profile legal proceeding in Argentina involving a national sports figure and allegations of medical negligence. Its outcome could influence public debate about standards of care and accountability in prominent cases.

Industry Impact: The case places medical decision-making and professional responsibility under scrutiny, with testimony highlighting disputes over symptom escalation and duty of care. Healthcare professionals involved argue that limited roles and specialties affect liability for clinical outcomes.

Market Impact: No direct market impact is established in the facts presented. The case’s significance is primarily legal and institutional, tied to court findings and professional accountability rather than financial markets.