Rafael Márquez's legend in international soccer grows

The Káiser is now part of Juan Carlos Osorio's pre-list for Russia 2018, joining a select list of personalities with five World Cups in their career.

Thus, the native of Zamora (Michoacán) joins his compatriot Antonio Carbajal (1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966), the German Lothar Matthäus (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998), and the Italian Gianluigi Buffon (2006, 2010, 2014, 1998, 2002) as the only players in FIFA history with a handful of World Cups.

Rafa made his debut in this competition in the 2002 Korea-Japan edition, when he was playing for Monaco and was the youngest member of the national team at the age of 23. He played all four games with Mexico against Croatia, Ecuador, Italy, and the United States - being the captain in all of them.

It was the United States that eliminated Mexico in the round of 16, with Márquez being sent off after a headbutt on Cobi Jones.

As a Blaugrana player, he participated in Germany 2006, where he served as the team captain once again at the age of 27. He played in all four matches against Iran, Angola, Portugal and Argentina, and scored a goal against the Albiceleste, who eventually claimed victory.

For South Africa, the Káiser reached his third World Cup at the age of 31. He was captain in two matches and scored against the host country in the opening match of South Africa, as well as providing an assist to Javier Hernández against France.

For Brazil 2014, Rafa became the first Mexican to captain the national team in four consecutive World Cups, and also became the Mexican with the most appearances by reaching 16 games, surpassing Carbajal's record of 12. His goal against Croatia made him the only Mexican defender to score in three World Cups.