The Venezuelan forward has drawn attention with a distinctive on-field presence and a protection that’s become part of his routine.
Josef Martínez is a striker whose impact in Major League Soccer has been hard to ignore since he arrived. After plying his trade in Europe with Young Boys, FC Thun, and Torino, he joined Atlanta United in 2017 where his goal-scoring instincts helped the club rise quickly. He played a pivotal role in clinching the 2018 MLS Cup title, and his early years in Atlanta established him as one of the league’s most feared finisseurs and a face of the growing popularity of MLS in North America.
In 2020 a serious cruciate ligament injury slowed his momentum and altered the trajectory of his career. The setback kept him out for an extended period and he faced a period of adjustment as he worked to regain his sharpness. By 2023 he moved on from Atlanta United and joined Inter Miami, seeking a fresh start in a new league while adapting to different coaches, teammates, and competition levels in the MLS landscape.
With Lionel Messi arriving in Miami, Martínez has found renewed motivation. He has embraced the chance to play alongside one of the game’s greatest performers and has shown an ability to adapt his game to complement Messi’s style. Martino’s prior experience with Martínez at Atlanta United is often cited by observers as a reason why the Venezuelan could unlock additional productivity in a high-profile team environment that blends star power with collective play in MLS.
A notable aspect of Martínez’s persona on the field is his choice to play with a mouthguard—an unusual accessory for football. The device, more commonly seen in combat sports, is used as a precaution to protect teeth after a history of incidental blows and aerial duels. It serves as a reminder that even elite attackers take protective measures to stay in top form through a long and demanding season.
The broader story here is not only about a goalscorer who has delivered memorable moments but also about a player who has navigated injuries, transfers, and evolving team dynamics to continue contributing at a high level. The combination of experience in Europe, success in MLS, a career resurgence in Miami, and the influence of teammates like Messi paints a portrait of a player who remains central to his team’s ambitions and to the league’s ongoing narrative in North American soccer. [Goal]