Márquez backs Blaugrana to finish the job

FC Barcelona defender Rafael Márquez may be ruled out of the UEFA Champions League semi-final decider against Chelsea FC after sustaining a serious injury in the goalless first leg, but he is confident Barça can progress without him. Before undergoing successful surgery on his left knee at the weekend, the Mexican international answered questions from uefa.com users in the latest in our series of Q&As with the game's top stars.

How far can Barça go? Do you think they will win the UEFA Champions League?
Senad Miftari, Kusnacht, Switzerland

Barcelona are playing great football and they have the quality and potential to win the Champions League. We couldn't beat Chelsea at home but we're confident we can still move forward from here, all the while respecting our opponents. I won't be able to play a part over the coming weeks because of the injury, but we have a great squad and I have complete confidence in my team-mates.

97,000 were at the home leg against Bayern in the quarter-finals. What can you hear from the crowd and can the noise from the stands make it hard to hear other players on the pitch?
Terrence James, Toronto, Ontario

You notice it, you feel it – there's no doubt about that. The crowd give you wings. It's great and it motivates you to have them so close behind the team, as was also the case before the Chelsea game. We're very grateful to our supporters.

Was the 4-0 win against Bayern Barça's best performance of the season, and if not, what was?
Rafa, Malaga

I always look higher and aspire to better things. There will always be a better game. This is one of the challenges for this Barcelona side – reach higher, never stop at what you've got but aim to do it even better.

Is this Barcelona team better than the one that won the Champions League in 2006? If so, why?
Diego Morales, Barcelona, Spain

All through history, Barcelona have had great teams who have marked their generation. The Champions League winners of 2006 are one of them. Now it's our turn to try to win titles and leave our own footprint.

Your defensive partnership with Carles Puyol has been one of the best. What is the secret behind a solid central defence?
Tiri Ndarowa, 26, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

We complement each other well, we cover each other almost automatically, we speak to each other, we both give our all. Even if one of us is out – now it's my turn because of the injury – the whole defence are very professional and enjoy their work. Daniel Alves, Gerard Piqué, Martín Cáceres, Sylvinho ...

Which striker or attacking midfielder are you most nervous about defending against?
Josh Mesina, 15, Philippines

It's hard to pick one in particular. When teams play against Barcelona, they always give the maximum possible and try to make your life difficult. There's no weak opponent when it comes to facing us. They all grow in stature.

Have you ever wanted to leave Barça?
Dung Hoi

I would like to finish my career at Barcelona. I have always said so. But that doesn't just depend on me. That's a decision for the club. Perhaps I might play in Mexico for a bit before retiring from football completely.

How do you feel when you run on the pitch to play for Mexico?
Mitchell Rua, Sydney, Australia

It's a very special feeling. Representing your country, especially in difficult moments like the ones it is going through now, is an honour and a source of pride. You want to give everything.

I'm an Atlas fan and just wanted advice on how to make it to the pro world. Also, when are you going back to Atlas [Márquez's first club]?
Peter Aguilar, 18, Caifornia Barra 51

At the moment I'm happy at Barcelona. We'll see what the future has in store. To be a professional you must have a true feel for football and be prepared to work hard and make sacrifices, to stomach failure and setbacks and be gracious in victory. You must live the game intensely.

Who is the best player you have played with?
Ziyaad Pochee, 19, South Africa

At Barcelona we have the best players in the world. For me, it's a privilege even to be able to train with them. I'm grateful.

Do you think Barcelona will win the Spanish Cup, Spanish league and Champions League?
Mahmoud Ahmad, 26, Kuwait

That's what everyone here wants, but we have to take things step by step and never assume a game or competition is won before we've played it.

How do you keep the same focus for big and small games?
André, 14, Ovar, Portugal

It's our job. One second of absent-mindedness when you're marking can lead to a defeat or to conceding a goal. You always have to be alert, even in a small training game.

How do you cope with the daily pressure on you and your team and can you lead a normal everyday life without being recognised?
Frank Süßelbeck, Mulheim an der Ruhr, Germany

In Barcelona people are very respectful, so you can live a quiet and practically normal life. Besides, pressure is part of a footballer's profession and you learn to cope with it.

What's the best memory you have had with FCB?
Mohammad Rajab, Dubai

I always hope the best memory is still to come. There have been lots so far, including simple things like the pleasure you get from being in the dressing room or in training.

What did you feel when you signed for Barça?
Jonatan Alvarez Duran

It was a dream come true. I was signing for one of the giants, who had noticed me and taken a gamble on my abilities. It was truly unforgettable.

Much has been said about Cristiano Ronaldo being the player of the year, but what about Lionel Messi? Do you think Messi will be the next player of the year?
Huang Edisa

For us, Messi is the best player in the world. He's a one-off, an incredible footballer, a champion. Hopefully he'll be the next to win the award. His team-mates have to help him do that by putting in good team performances.

With Mexico stuttering in World Cup qualifying in the CONCACAF zone and after the recent sacking of Sven-Göran Eriksson, do you think a new coach will make a difference at this stage? And do you think the gap in CONCACAF is narrowing between the top teams and the traditionally lower teams?
Amrit Ramdhanie, 29, Trinidad and Tobago

It's certainly true that, just like everywhere else, the gap between the more traditional teams and the others has shrunk. In the case of our national side, there have been a lot of factors that have had an effect and which are not taken into account when people make judgments. But there's plenty of talent in Mexico and we're confident results will show that. Javier Aguirre is an experienced coach and he will know how to take us forward. I would love to face El Salvador and Trinidad and Tobago in June but I've just got injured.

What is the hardest challenge you have faced in your life, and how did you resolve it?
Adrian Gómez

There have been difficult moments, but thanks to football and to the support of people – family, friends and team-mates – I have always been able to move forward.