The Argentine soccer great also called the journalist an ''idiot'' during the confrontation outside a theater in Buenos Aires. It wasn't clear why Maradona was upset, though local media said the matter appeared related to his former wife.
Video images showed Maradona leaving his car and slapping the journalist him with his right hand. The journalist did not immediately react.
Fans and reporters had surrounded Maradona's car to talk to one of the greatest players in soccer history. He answered a few questions and was about to leave when he became upset. Maradona's son and his ex-wife were inside the car.
