Rafa Márquez and the Mexican Football Federation are finalizing details for the Barcelona B coach to become Javier Aguirre's assistant in the Mexican national team, sources told ESPN.
The 45-year-old would serve as Aguirre's assistant for the first two years of the contract before succeeding him as head coach after the 2026 World Cup.
He had previously been a candidate to become Barcelona's first-team coach before Xavi's departure in April.
Sources told ESPN that a six-year deal with Mexico is “very close” to being finalized and that Barcelona is aware of the situation.
A few days ago, Marquez had informed the Catalan club that he was going to consider the Mexican's proposal despite having recently committed to Barcelona B until June 2025.
The former Mexican international had other offers, but decided to renew his contract with Barcelona in June after a season in which he came close to achieving promotion to the second division.
Sources told ESPN that Aguirre wants people on his staff who understand his management style and sees Marquez as the ideal person to replace him after 2026.
Marquez made 147 appearances for Mexico during his playing career and shares the record for having appeared in five World Cups.
Aguirre will also be accompanied in Mexico by Toni Amor, his former assistant at Mallorca, and he is now looking for a goalkeeping coach to complete his squad.
