The 1986 World Cup-winning captain and inspiration , who was 60 on Friday, was admitted to the Ipensa private clinic in La Plata, south of Buenos Aires,.

A spokesman denied early reports that the national icon, who is currently coach of local club Gimnasia y Esgrima, was either suffering from Covid-19 or had suffered a stroke.

However he is expected to undergo surgery for a cranial blood clot, probably from a blow to the head in the last few weeks or months.

State Vice-President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner underwent similar surgery in in 2014.

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