SAN ISIDRO, Argentina — The defense team for Leopoldo Luque, the neurosurgeon charged in connection with the 2020 death of football legend Diego Maradona, argued during closing statements on October 21 that Luque was innocent and unfairly made a “scapegoat” for the star’s death.

Attorney Roberto Rallin dismissed prosecution claims that Maradona’s death was foreseeable, asserting the evidence supports Luque’s innocence. Co-counsel Francisco Oneto described the cause of death as an “acute and unpredictable” heart attack, stressing there was no way to anticipate the fatal outcome.

Prosecutors have sought a 12-year prison sentence for Luque, considered a central figure in Maradona’s care during his convalescence. They criticized what they described as Luque's “inaction,” alleging he repeatedly failed to act despite clear medical warnings.

Maradona died at age 60 from a cardiorespiratory crisis combined with pulmonary oedema. He was found dead in his rented home in Tigre, north of Buenos Aires, where he was recovering from surgery to address a subdural haematoma. His death in November 2020 plunged Argentina into mourning, with tens of thousands attending his wake at the presidential palace despite COVID-19 restrictions.

Seven healthcare professionals have faced trial since April, accused of negligence during Maradona’s two weeks of post-surgical recovery. Prosecutors have recommended sentences ranging from four to 12 years for six of the defendants.

A key point of contention centers on the conclusions of the court-appointed interdisciplinary medical commission, which based its findings on the autopsy and other evidence. The commission stated that Maradona had a history of heart problems that should have influenced his medical care, a position emphasized by prosecutors.

However, Luque’s defense team challenged this assessment, arguing that clinical tests conducted prior to Maradona’s surgery revealed no heart issues. Oneto maintained, “It’s so clear that Maradona didn’t have any heart problems in 2020.”

Throughout the proceedings, Luque was notably vocal, defending his role and responding directly to allegations. His lawyers presented audio recordings, scientific publications, and even footage of Maradona’s autopsy to illustrate the complex dynamics surrounding the case. Luque himself stated in court, “I cared deeply for him. I loved him. He was my idol and my friend,” adding that Maradona’s daughters were angered by the trial.

Adding to the defense arguments, attorney Nicolas D’Alborra, representing medical coordinator Nancy Forlini, also placed responsibility on Luque and another physician. Forlini faces a 10-year sentence on charges of homicide with eventual intent, linked to an alleged failure to provide essential medical equipment for Maradona’s home care.

Defense teams were expected to continue their closing arguments through October 22 as the trial moves toward its conclusion.