Buenos Aires (Argentina): Diego Maradona remained in intensive care today (April 20, 2004), but doctors treating the soccer star said he was responding to treatment for heart and blood pressure problems two days after he was admitted to the hospital.

Hundreds of fans held an overnight vigil outside the Buenos Aires clinic where he is being treated, chanting songs and shouting "Hang in there, Diego!" and "Diego, we're with you!"

Maradona, who led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title in Mexico, was placed in intensive care on April 18, hours after watching his former team Boca Juniors play. It was the second time in recent years that the 43-year-old soccer great has been hospitalised.

Doctors said they expected to issue a new update on his condition later today.

Dr Alfredo Cahe, Maradona's personal physician, initially described his condition as "critical", but said later that Maradona had "improved considerably".

"We are a bit more relaxed now," he said, cautioning that Maradona was still being closely monitored.

Maradona appeared to be suffering from the heart-related condition known as cardiomyopathy and additional blood pressure problems, authorities said after he was admitted. He was also being assisted with a breathing tube, doctors reported.