Maradona also hit back at reports of a rift between him and team manager Carlos Bilardo.

BBC: Win seals Argentina qualification

Batista played alongside Maradona at the 1986 World Cup, which was won by an Argentina team managed by Bilardo.

BBC: Ex-Argentina coach Diego Maradona in 'betrayal' claim

Argentina were coached by Carlos Bilardo, an arch-pragmatist who saw football as a conflict in which the end justifies the means.

BBC: History beckons Ronaldo

Former Argentina coach Carlos Bilardo, his former agent Guillermo Coppola and ex-Argentina international Hector Enrique have also been to see the stricken star.

BBC: Maradona in intensive care

Although Maradona did not specify his conditions, it is believed that he is unhappy with technical director Carlos Bilardo's interference in team affairs.

BBC: Maradona denies threat to resign

Luiz Felipe Scolari is the Brazilian Bilardo.

BBC: History beckons Ronaldo