Five full years have passed since his death and the courtrooms of Argentina, a country well-versed in soap operas and exaggerations, are still full. Not only from people, relatives of the football legend, but also from voices, accusations, blame and a sense of lingering injustice from the people handling the case.
And yet, after many depositions and confrontations, the process collapsed spectacularly, leading to its postponement until 2026. The trial had begun on March 11, 2025 with the charge of intentional homicide against seven health professionals who had taken care of Maradona in the last weeks of his life.
For prosecutors, his home care was not only inadequate but also dangerous, with a series of omissions, misunderstandings and wrong choices. Their argument was that since Maradona had a long history of health problems, he should never be in a home without the necessary equipment and proper monitoring.
The accused and the sentence they face
Maradona died on November 25, 2020 at the age of 60 from cardiac arrest while recovering from surgery for a brain clot. The defendants, who deny all charges, were charged with negligent homicide, a crime similar to involuntary manslaughter, as it implies they were aware of the danger their alleged reckless behavior posed.
Among the defendants are Leopoldo Luque, Maradona’s primary doctor at the time of his death, as well as his psychologist, psychiatrist, medical coordinator and nurses. They all face up to 25 years in prison.
Public interest was rekindled when photographs of the footballer’s last moments were presented to the court. His daughters, Dalma and Gianina, have spoken publicly about the need for “justice” and stressed that their father never received the care he deserved.
A whole trial from scratch
And while the process was progressing, a scandal was about to blow everything up. Judge Julieta Mackintosh, a member of the three-judge bench, appeared in footage of a television documentary documenting moments inside the court and in its corridors.
The images, circulated in the media and social networks, raised serious questions about her impartiality as she held discussions with witnesses and lawyers. The defense and prosecution, for the first time since the case began, agreed on one thing: McIndach’s involvement undermined the credibility of the trial. She withdrew, but the court ruled that the process had to start all over again.
The depositions that had already been completed were put under review, while some items will need a new evaluation by the judicial council. A new judiciary was appointed, and a new start date of March 2026 was also set.
Until then, discussions continue. Public opinion in Argentina is watching a process that seems to drag on, while lawyers for both the accused and Maradona’s family prepare for a new round of arguments.
The trial for his death, with all its twists and turns, feels like an extension of his turbulent life, except that the “hand of God” has to work its miracle again, this time for the truth to shine.
