BRISTOL, Connecticut -- Former Argentina striker Mario Alberto Kempes underwent heart surgery in the United States on Tuesday.
Kempes has been an ESPN football commentator since 2004.
"This morning Mario underwent a successful heart surgery that consisted of six bypasses, and is currently recovering in the ICU," ESPN said in a statement.
"We will provide an update on his recovery and ask for everyone to respect his privacy at this time. We, and on behalf of his family, thank everyone for all their thoughts and prayers as we look forward to a speedy and successful recovery."
The 60-year-old Kempes recently told Argentine media that the surgery was needed after tests showed he had "very clogged arteries."
Kempes helped Argentina win the 1978 World Cup by scoring six goals, including two in the final against the Netherlands. He was the competition's leading scorer.
Kempes scored 20 goals in 43 matches with Argentina. He also played for Valencia in Spain, where he was the league's top scorer for two seasons.