Argentina's 1986 World Cup winning coach Carlos Bilardo critical after brain surgery

Carlos Bilardo, Argentina's 1986 World Cup-winning coach is in a critical condition in the hospital following brain surgery. The center treating him has confirmed the same. 

According to the center’s report, the 81-year-old former midfielder was taken into intensive care at the Argentine Institute of Diagnosis in Buenos Aires on July 4 due to a "deterioration in his underlying disease," 

He is suffering from a neurodegenerative disease known as Hakim-Adams syndrome. The disease is common in men over 60, and Bilardo was hospitalised twice in 2018. 

"He is currently in the intensive care unit while his prognosis is reserved," the report said.

READ | Here's What Lionel Messi Had To Say After Setting Up A Piquant Argentina-Brazil Clash in Copa America Semis 

He was the coach in 1986 and guided a Diego Maradona-inspired Argentina to lift the World Cup for the second time with a 3-2 victory over West Germany in the final in Mexico. Earlier in the competition, Argentina had knocked out England thanks to Maradona's infamous "hand of God" goal, and his iconic solo effort widely considered one of the greatest goals of all time.

"I want to thank Bilardo eternally for having inculcated in us respect for the Argentina jersey, what it meant to be an international player, the prestige of wearing this shirt," said Sergio Goycochea, who was goalkeeper under Bilardo at the 1990 World Cup in Italy.

A gynecologist by profession, Bilardo took over as Argentina coach following the 1982 World Cup in Spain and stepped down after losing the Italia 90 final 1-0 to West Germany.

He was a midfielder in his playing days, notably with Estudiantes and San Lorenzo. He was a coach to Colombia, Argentine giants Boca Juniors and Sevilla in Spain during a coaching career that lasted more than 30 years

READ | Lionel Messi's Argentina Duck Continues As Brazil Knock Arch-rivals Out Of Copa America