Buenos Aires: Diego Maradona opened his eyes and began consuming a mix of liquid and solid foods amid expressions of relief today from family, friends and fans over medical reports of new progress.

But the legendary Argentine soccer player remained under a "guarded prognosis" and continued in intensive care after he was admitted April 18 to a private hospital with serious heart and lung problems.

The latest statement by his medical team was expected April 27 afternoon as fans kept up a more-than-weeklong vigil outside the Suizo Argentina Clinic where Maradona remains ensconced in a fourth-floor critical care unit.

Maradona, who led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title, opened his eyes for the first time on April 26, the leading daily 'Clarin' reported. The report in the April 27 editions said Maradona's former wife, Claudia, and their two teenage daughters were now able to spend more time at his bedside as he showed signs of improvement.

More visitors were expected as players and coaches from the soccer world continued to show their concern for the 43-year old former star, whose enormous talent on the soccer field has won him acclaim as one of the best ever to play the sport.