Football
Tom Marshall, Mexico correspondent 9y

Mexico Copa America roster headlined by defender Rafa Marquez

Mexico defender Rafa Marquez will lead El Tri at the Copa America this summer in Chile and not at CONCACAF's Gold Cup, as had been widely expected.

The 36-year-old Hellas Verona center back -- a veteran of four World Cups -- was one of four Europe-based players named to the squad on Monday, alongside Jesus "Tecatito" Corona from FC Twente, Javier Aquino from Rayo Vallecano and Raul Jimenez of Atletico Madrid.

Cruz Azul's Jesus Corona was chosen in goal by coach Miguel Herrera, indicating that Malaga's Guillermo Ochoa will likely be at the Gold Cup, while 33-year-old Chiapas striker Matias Vuoso -- who was born in Argentina but has previously represented Mexico -- was a surprise selection.

Coach Miguel Herrera has made it clear that CONCACAF's Gold Cup is Mexico's priority this summer, due to the possibilities of reaching the Confederations Cup via a playoff against the United States, but has said the Copa America is also important.

The omission of players like Carlos Vela, Javier Hernandez, Ochoa, Hector Herrera, Andres Guardado and Giovani and Jonathan dos Santos makes it likely that all will be involved in the Gold Cup.

Mexico is in Group A of the Copa America and opens its campaign against Bolivia on June 12, before playing host Chile (June 15) and Ecuador (June 19).

El Tri's players are due to meet up in Mexico City on May 17 to begin preparations, although those still involved in the Liga MX playoffs and in European leagues will join after their participation is over.

Mexico will play a farewell match against Guatemala in Chiapas on Saturday, May 30, before heading to South America for games against Peru (June 3 in Lima) and Brazil (June 7, Sao Paulo).

The list in full:

Goalkeepers: Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul), Alfredo Talavera (Toluca), Meliton Hernandez (Veracruz)

Defenders: Carlos Salcedo (Chivas), Adrian Aldrete (Santos Laguna), George Corral (Queretaro), Miguel Herrera (Pachuca), Rafa Marquez (Hellas Verona), Jerry Flores (Cruz Azul), Hugo Ayala (Tigres), Efrain Velarde (Monterrey), Julio Dominguez (Cruz Azul)

Midfielders: Mario Osuna (Queretaro), Luis Montes (Leon), Marco Fabian (Chivas), Javier Aquino (Rayo Vallecano), Javier Guemez (Tijuana), Juan Carlos Medina (Atlas), Jesus Corona (FC Twente)

Forwards: Eduardo Herrera (Pumas), Raul Jimenez (Atletico Madrid), Matias Vuoso (Chiapas), Enrique Esqueda (Tigres)

Reserve list: Enrique Perez (Atlas), Arturo Gonzalez (Atlas), Isaac Brizuela (Chivas), Jurgen Damm (Pachuca), Rodrigo Salinas (Pachuca), Luis Fuentes (Pumas), David Cabrera (Pumas)

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