Is Rafa Marquez ready to push Mexico above the USMNT and beyond? - ESPN

Rafael Marquez is no stranger to leading the Mexican national team.

He became one of the most successful players to wear the captain's armband and the green Mexico jersey, lifting continental trophies and participating in five World Cups over the course of his 21-year international career.

Now, he's back.

Marquez returned to the stage at the Mexican football federation training grounds in Tlalpan, Mexico City, on Sept. 10 for the umpteenth time in his life, but this time to be introduced as the Mexican national team's manager.

He walked into the crowded outdoor space, keeping to himself after finding his seat in the front row while federation officials shook hands and engaged with the onlooking media. He wore the same stoic look on his face that millions remember from his time on the pitch as a commanding center back for Barcelona and Atlas.

Photographers furiously began snapping the moment Marquez held the green Mexico training jacket with his initials. But it wasn't an unfamiliar sight.

He stood in that same spot two years ago when being appointed Javier Aguirre's assistant coach. In 2024, the Mexican Football Federation announced Aguirre would return for a two-year stint before passing the torch to Marquez immediately following the 2026 World Cup.

Now, he trades the captain's armband for the manager's clipboard role, with his biggest early test coming on Saturday, when Mexico will face the U.S. in Arizona.

«I'm not starting from zero,» Marquez said. «Having worked with Javier [Aguirre] from start to finish gives me great confidence in continuing this process. I already know the players and the environment well, and I've been supported by a group of experienced people who have operated at the highest levels. That is