Trial for the death of Maradona. Answer the questions well, a judge's warning to a witness limited

The trial surrounding the death of Diego Armando Maradona took a dramatic turn during one of its most anticipated sessions in the courts of San Isidro. Matías Morla, former legal representative and a central figure in the last days of the football legend’s life, and Jonathan Espósito, his nephew who lived with him until his final moments, testified before the judges. Far from avoiding controversy, Morla detailed the chaotic days leading up to Maradona's death, criticizing the family's decisions regarding his home-based medical care and revealing the deep emotional bond between the football icon and Leopoldo Luque, the neurosurgeon accused in the case. During his testimony, Morla defended his role beside Maradona, emphasizing that he was more than just a legal advisor—he was also a close friend. He stated that he worked alongside Maradona until his death, managing business affairs and contracts with the help of an accountant. However, he did not hesitate to support Luque, saying that Maradona loved him deeply and showed visible emotion when seeing him.

Morla distanced himself entirely from responsibility concerning the controversial move of Maradona to the house in the San Andrés neighborhood in Tigre. He mentioned that he had participated in only one phone call with the director of the Olivos Clinic, where Maradona was reportedly very angry and wanted to leave. After that, he claimed that the doctors and the family reached an agreement on how to proceed. Additionally, Morla revealed internal conflicts within the environment, accusing some parties of attempting to manipulate information about visits, which led him to bring in psychologist Carlos Díaz, an addiction specialist. The emotional state and problematic consumption patterns of the former coach of Gimnasia were also discussed. Morla linked these issues directly to Maradona’s emotional ups and downs, particularly mentioning how fights with Rocío Oliva led to drinking episodes, while returning to her would prevent him from consuming alcohol.

Jonathan Espósito’s testimony painted a grim picture of the last week of Maradona’s life. He described how the idol was severely swollen, had lost his appetite, had a slightly hoarse voice, and simply refused to get out of bed. Espósito was called as a witness in the trial involving several professionals responsible for Maradona’s health, including neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, psychologist Carlos Díaz, nurse Ricardo Almirón, his supervisor Mariano Perroni, head of domestic care services at Swiss Medical Nancy Forlini, and clinical doctor Pedro Di Spagna. Initially, Morla criticized the family’s decision—guided by treating physicians—to choose home recovery after Maradona underwent surgery for a subdural hematoma. He argued that Maradona should have remained in a clinic, stating that the treatment was disastrous.

During the session, Judge Pablo Rolón addressed Jonathan Espósito, warning him to answer questions properly, as his responses were often brief and consisted mostly of single-syllable answers. Espósito, who spent significant time in the house rented by Maradona in the San Andrés neighborhood in Benavídez, generated considerable interest prior to his testimony. However, his performance did not meet the expectations set by his presence in court. His answers were short, and at times, it seemed he struggled to understand the questions posed by prosecutors Cosme Iribarren and Patricio Ferrari. Espósito admitted that he was paid a salary for staying with Maradona, explaining that this was necessary to support his family. At one point, the judge noted that Espósito appeared confused about certain situations, such as incorrectly stating that Maradona was operated on at the Ipensa clinic instead of the Olivos Clinic in La Plata.

Psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, one of the accused, testified that during the first week in the rented house, Maradona was doing well but then began to feel worse, entering a slump and refusing to get out of bed. She also mentioned that on November 23, 2020, two days before Maradona's death, she noticed his voice becoming hoarse. On the day of his death, Espósito recounted waking up between 9 and 10 AM. He explained that he waited for psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov and psychologist Carlos Díaz, both of whom were among the defendants seated in the defendant's bench. When they arrived between 10 and 11 AM, they entered Maradona’s room but soon left, stating that Maradona did not want to get up. Espósito then went into the room to wake him up, describing how he saw only his feet and right hand hanging down. When he tried to lift him, he found that Maradona did not react at all. He immediately told Maxi Pomargo, the brother-in-law of attorney Matías Morla, to call an ambulance because Maradona was unresponsive.

The trial continues to unfold with each new testimony bringing further clarity—or confusion—to the circumstances surrounding Maradona's final days. As the legal proceedings progress, the focus remains on understanding the roles played by each individual involved in the care and management of Maradona’s health, as well as the decisions made by the family and medical team in the critical weeks leading up to his passing. The testimonies thus far have highlighted the complexity of the situation, with conflicting accounts and emotional tensions playing a significant role in shaping the narrative around the legendary footballer’s death.