Rafael Marquez, Mexico hero accused of cartel ties

Mexico and former Barcelona star Rafael Marquez is dubbed "The Boss" for his leadership of the national football team -- but now the US has branded him a drug criminal. No other Mexican player has won more titles and he is widely considered second only to Hugo Sanchez as the country's best player ever. Now 38 and still scoring goals, "Rafa," as he is known to fans, was one of a generation of Mexican players hailed as "boy heroes" in the 1990s. He made his professional debut in 1996 -- not long before Sanchez's retirement -- with Atlas de Guadalajara and first played for the national team the following year. While playing for Mexico against Chile in a Copa America game in 1999, he caught the eye of a scout for French side AC Monaco. "I went to the Copa America to see a Chilean player. But I spotted a defender in the Mexican side that I liked," said scout Julien Muller. Thus began Marquez's march to the top flight of football, leading to 2 Champions League titles with Barcelona.