Topics: CONCACAF, World Cup Qualifying, Mexico, Costa Rica, Rafael Marquez, Ronaldinho, Xavi, Thierry Henry, Deco, Frank Rijkaard
The Mexican center back wasn't aware of the homage El Tri's authorities had prepared to celebrate his 20 years defending his National Team.

March 24 will forever be drilled inside Rafa Márquez's memory, following a tribute orchestrated by the Mexican Football Federation (FMF).

El Tri's execs decided to put together a video where some of his colleagues offered kind words for the legendary Mexican defender, who recently celebrated 20 years defending El Tri's jersey.

Global legends like Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho, Deco, Xavi and Frank Rijkaard had their say about Márquez, who's played for Mexico in 4 World Cup editions, and will hopefully make it to a fifth next year in Russia.

Mexican player Andrés Guardado and former colleagues such as Oswaldo Sánchez, El Tri's all-time top scorer Jared Borgetti and Pavel Pardo also had respectful words for the defender, in what turned out to be an emotional evening for the former Monaco and Barcelona center back.

Here's the video posted on the Mexican National Team's Twitter feed ( @miseleccionmx ) to celebrate Márquez's milestone.

Just in case you're Spanish isn't that good, we'll provide a proper translation for some of the players included you may find easier to identify.

Ronaldinho (time stamp - 1:17) : "Hey Rafa, my brother! Here to congratulate you for 20 years as a National Team player, well deserved!"

Xavi (time stamp - 1:43): "My deepest admiration, both as a player and as a human being, a warm hug and I hope you keep enjoying yourself out there"

Deco (time stamp - 1:48): "Lots of success for you, your National Team deserves a player of your kind."

Thierry Henry (time stamp - 1:52) "Rafa Márquez is mythical. I will now have to call you like this: Legend!"

Frank Rijkaard (time stamp - 2:02) "I hope you can keep playing a few more years while being an example for all young footballers. A big hug and keep it up!"