Diego Maradona's Last Words Revealed by His Masseur in Death Trial
The trial concerning the death of legendary footballer Diego Maradona reached its 32nd hearing on Thursday, focusing on the period when Maradona was under home care before his passing. The prosecution called Nicolas Taparel, Maradona's masseur who assisted in his physical rehabilitation at his Tigre residence, as the final witness before expert medical testimonies begin. Taparel's testimony was crucial as he witnessed Maradona's physical decline, including significant swelling, long before his death.
Taparel first met Maradona in 2017 during an internship at Deportivo Riestra, where Maradona participated in a team training session. Their relationship grew over time, and by 2018, Taparel was providing regular treatments including lower limb exercises, lymphatic massages, and mobility support. He described Maradona as an idol and a friend, noting that during the COVID-19 pandemic he continued to visit with permission. Taparel also identified key figures involved in Maradona's care, including doctor Leopoldo Luque, Maxi Pomargo, Agustina Cosachov, and Diaz.
Regarding Maradona's last two weeks, Taparel described a mental reset early in his home hospitalization, with improved cognitive sharpness compared to previous memory lapses. Physically, Maradona struggled with movement and developed edema in his lower limbs, particularly in his right leg. Taparel sent numerous warnings to Luque between November 15 and 21, 2020, about Maradona's deteriorating condition, noting he was bedridden, refused food, hygiene, and massages, and was visibly swollen.
On November 17, 2020, Taparel reported Maradona was "very swollen all over," had been lying down for 26 hours, and had swollen eyes. Despite Luque's reassurances that the swelling would subside with rehabilitation, it worsened. Taparel also observed hand tremors and incoherent jokes from Maradona. The masseur's final encounter with Maradona was on the morning of November 24, 2020, when he tried to encourage him to move and drink mate. Maradona's last words to Taparel were, "I don't want anything, Tapita, it's over." When asked what was over, Maradona replied, "Nothing, it's over."
