Witness says doctors missed 'warning signs' during Maradona home hospitalisation

A witness told the trial in San Isidro on August 11, 2026 that doctors ignored "warning signs" during Diego Maradona's home hospitalisation in the days before his death in 2020. The testimony was given in the court proceedings examining the circumstances of the football legend's demise.

Seven healthcare professionals have been on trial in Argentina on allegations of potential negligence that may have contributed to his death. The World Cup winner died of heart failure and acute pulmonary edema— a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs— two weeks after undergoing surgery. Forensic physician Carlos Cassinelli said he had observed "warning signs" and described home hospitalisation as a mistake. "We believe these warning signs were not taken into account by the doctors because their approach did not change," he said.

Cassinelli listed specific findings he said had been present, including edema in the lower limbs, swelling in the fingers, shortness of breath, signs of hypertension and an abnormally fast heart rate. "Nobody went to see what that swelling was about" even though it posed "a life-threatening risk," he told the court.

The witness told the tribunal that Maradona's condition deteriorated after his discharge. "The deterioration was progressive... A warning could have been issued," Cassinelli said, and he stated that the former Barcelona and Napoli superstar had endured some 12 hours of agony before passing away.

Cassinelli is a member of a medical board that analysed an array of records and statements to determine Maradona's state of health, he told the court. His testimony formed part of the board's contribution to the proceedings.

The accused deny responsibility for his death, saying the larger-than-life Maradona, who battled cocaine and alcohol addictions for years, succumbed to natural causes. The trial began in mid-April and could run beyond August.