Maradona falls ill after cheering for Argentina

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Argentine football legend Diego Maradona felt unwell after cheering for his country in their 2-1 win over Nigeria on Tuesday night. Soon after the match finished, Maradona was attended to by paramedics inside the stadium.

The icon was seen waving and greeting the fans from the VIP box like he did during Argentina's past two matches and stayed animated throughout the game. But when Marcos Rojo scored the winning goal in the 86th minute, Maradona leaned over the front of the VIP box from where he was watching with friends.

Former Argentina player Diego Maradona (C) celebrates the teams opening goal against Nigeria. /VCG Photo

A video later emerged showing the 1986 World Cup winner looking unwell, walking with difficulty and being guided into the dining room of the VIP section by two friends and then sitting in a chair. Other photographs showed two uniformed paramedics attending to him, with one appearing to take his pulse. Argentina media reported that Maradona had suffered a spike in his blood pressure.

Argentinian newspaper Ole reported that Maradona was able to walk and had gone to his hotel. Maradona has had a series of health problems, including cocaine addiction.

(With input from agencies)