Diego Maradona was reportedly refused entry to the United States following comments he made about Donald Trump, according to his lawyer. Maradona had previously faced U.S. entry issues after testing positive for ephedrine during the 1994 World Cup. Following Argentina’s group-stage win over Nigeria, he was selected for a random drug test. The positive result led to his immediate suspension from the tournament and a FIFA ban lasting more than a year. A subsequent failed test in 1995 resulted in the U.S. revoking his visa.

The restriction was lifted in 2009, allowing Maradona to return to the country as Argentina’s national team manager. However, years later, during Trump’s first presidential term, he reportedly faced another entry issue. According to his lawyer, Matias Morla, Maradona was advised to avoid discussing the United States during a television interview with Venezuelan network TeleSur. When asked about Trump, he allegedly used a slang term meaning “dummy” or “puppet,” which Morla suggested led to diplomatic consequences.

Maradona had planned to travel to Miami for a court case involving his ex-wife, Claudia Villafane, who was accused of misusing funds to purchase luxury properties—allegations she denied. The football legend later made additional critical remarks about Trump in interviews, describing him in unflattering terms.

Maradona died of a heart attack in November 2020, shortly after undergoing brain surgery for a blood clot. Members of his medical team were later charged with negligence, and legal proceedings related to his death remain ongoing.