Venezuela advanced to the quarterfinals after qualifying undefeated, winning all three of their group-stage matches against Ecuador, Mexico and Jamaica. Something never achieved by the Vinotinto team in Copa América 2024.

This Copa America 2024 has a large number of absences, many of which refer to players of enormous prestige. Speaking about Venezuela, one of them is that of Josef Martínez, historic striker of the Vinotinto. But this situation has an explanation behind it.

Josef Martínez out of Copa America 2024

Josef Martínez is not playing for Venezuela in the Copa América 2024 quarterfinals against Canada due to a combination of factors. For this Copa América 2024, Batista, Venezuela’s coach, decided to dispense with Josef Martínez. This situation has two main explanations. On the one hand, the striker comes from suffering an injury to his knee, which left him out of the fields for 61 days.

Even if Martinez had made a full recovery, his absence could also be attributed to his lack of participation with the national team in recent months. His last appearance for Venezuela came in October 2023 during a World Cup qualifier against Chile.

That is why with the injury to his knee and his absence in recent months, Martinez lost the possibility of fighting for a place in the team. Consequently, Batista decided to leave him out of the squad for this Copa América 2024 and for these reasons he will not play the quarterfinals with the Venezuelan national team.

To achieve this goal, the Argentine coach Fernando Batista announced the players who will be part of Venezuela’s squad for the Copa America but with the major absence of the experienced striker Josef Martinez.

Montreal’s Impact striker has been a key player in recent times for Venezuela with a total of 66 games played where he had scored 14 goals and provided 3 assists. Many people may be wondering why this player is off the roster.

Josef Martinez out of Copa America 2024

The reason why Josef Martínez is not part of Venezuela’s national team is because he suffered an injury in the training session with Montreal Impact that kept him away for 10 weeks.

Although the player did his best to arrive on time, he was unable to make it and will have to watch the Copa America 2024 from home.

In his place, Fernando Batista decided to give a chance to strikers Eric Ramirez from Atletico Nacional (Colombia) and Jhonder Cadiz from Famalicao (Portugal).

“What a three points guys! We’re coming back home with three points, amazing game and we continue! It’s nothing for this team! Come on!,” Martinez said postgame in a video shared by CF Montreal on social media.

The 30-year-old replaced Bryce Duke early in the second half and went on to play a pivotal role in the result, providing an assist for Sunusi Ibrahim’s winner after 78 minutes.

Martinez is playing his eighth season in MLS, having spent six years with Atlanta United before joining Inter Miami for the 2023 campaign. The Venezuelan, however, was let go by the Herons after only one year to make room for Luis Suarez.

While he became one of Messi’s most reliable partners upon the Argentine star’s arrival in the US, Martinez’s 12 goals in 40 games were still unimpressive for the South Florida franchise. Now, he’s starting another chapter in the league.

Martinez grateful for experience as Messi’s teammate

While things didn’t go exactly to plan between Martinez and Inter Miami, the Venezuela international still got to spend time next to the best player to ever set foot in the league, which is why he’s thankful for his time in South Beach.

“I’m blessed to have the opportunity to play with one of the most important players in history,” Martinez said, via Felipe Cardenas of The Athletic. “Every time we go to the locker room I was so impressed because he won everything and he’s still hungry to conquer. So I learned.”

A former MVP and MLS top scorer of the year in Atlanta, Martinez couldn’t carry that kind of form to Miami but he still tasted glory in the 2023 Leagues Cup. The club eventually had bigger plans with Suarez on their radar, but nothing will ever erase everything Josef learned from playing next to Messi.

So far Josef Martinez has 66 caps with the Venezuela men’s national football team since 2011, he has scored only 14 goals, with 2016 being his most productive year with the national team with 15 caps and 5 goals. Since then Martinez has had about 5 caps a year and no more than 2 goals.

The last time Josef scored a goal for Venezuela during the South American qualifiers was in 2022 in an on the road match against Uruguay, even though Venezuela lost that game, Josef scored the only unit to end the game 1-4.

The reason behind the absence of Josef Martinez

Josef Martinez was not called up to the game against Ecuador and Peru. There is no official confirmation from the team’s manager, ‘Bocha’ Bautista, but it is likely that the reason behind Josef’s absence is that he now has no team since early November.

Born in Valencia, Venezuela, on May 19, 1993, Martínez began his professional career at the tender age of 17 with Caracas FC, his hometown club. Although he played for a short time with European teams it was in the MLS with Atlanta United where Josef Martinez showed all his potential scoring 93 goals in 131 games.

In 2017, Martínez made a decision that would forever alter the trajectory of his career: he signed with Atlanta United FC of MLS. From the moment he stepped onto the pitch, Martínez made an immediate impact, showcasing his exceptional dribbling skills, powerful shot, and uncanny ability to find the back of the net.

His exceptional talent, coupled with his unwavering dedication and infectious personality, has earned him a place among the league’s most beloved and respected players.

The Venezuelan star joined the club from Atlanta United in January. But after only one season, the Herons decided not to exercise his contract option. Victor Ulloa and Jake Lacava are also leaving Miami this offseason.

Far from showing any hard feelings towards the franchise, Martinez looked grateful for his time in South Beach. The 30-year-old took to Instagram to officially say goodbye to the club.

“It has been a beautiful period. I will always cherish the love I was given. Thank you all for this special year. And mainly to thousands of Venezuelans for so much love and for making me feel at home,” wrote Martinez.

Inter Miami looking for better results

Martinez benefited from Lionel Messi‘s arrival in July, as he helped Leo lead Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup title with three goals and two assists in seven games. Still, the club had bigger expectations for the Venezuela international.

Before the Argentine star came to town, Martinez failed to put the team on his back and the Herons struggled in the Eastern Conference. In the end, he finished the MLS campaign with just seven goals in 27 matches. Besides, Miami missed the playoffs.

While Martinez was one of the most famous players on the squad, Inter Miami’s decision to part with him was not exactly a surprise. Messi’s arrival has been a game-changer for the club, so the feeling is that the team could save Josef’s salary to invest in another world-class striker.

Inter Miami could go after Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez has been continuously linked with a move to South Florida since Messi moved to the US, and it looks like it could finally happen in 2024. The Uruguayan striker couldn’t join Leo before because Gremio wouldn’t let him go, but the Brazilian club confirmed Lucho will leave the club at the end of the year.

The former Barcelona star has been playing through pain in his left knee, but he cannot go on like this for another year in Brazil. Suarez has yet to make a decision about his future, as he’s not even sure if he’ll continue playing. But chances are that we see him in an Inter Miami uniform in 2024.

In fact, coach Gerardo Martino has already admitted his coaching staff has a plan for 2024 which involves Suarez. Since he’ll be a free agent, it could be the perfect opportunity for a long-awaited reunion with Messi.

Josef Martinez had a guaranteed salary of $4,391,667. By opting out of his contract, Inter Miami could use that budget for other players. Suarez looks like the strongest candidate, but if the Uruguayan ultimately doesn’t arrive, Messi’s presence will probably help them get another prominent striker.

Shortly after they landed the 7x Ballon d’Or winner, the Herons pulled off the signatures of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, which has been another boost to the league.

In just a few months, Messi made a huge impact in the US both on and off the field. Apart from turning the South Florida team around, the Argentine star already leads the league in top-selling jerseys.

Messi leads top-selling MLS jerseys in 2023

According to MLS, Messi’s jersey was the best-selling shirt on MLSstore.com from January 1 through September 12, 2023. Besides Busquets, the other Inter Miami player on the top 25 is Josef Martinez.

Thiago Almada, who won the World Cup with Messi in 2022, made the top 10, where we can also find Mexican star Carlos Vela (5th). Fellow countryman Chicharito Hernandez, meanwhile, is 12th.

1. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami CF
2. João Klauss – St. Louis City SC
3. Hany Mukhtar – Nashville SC
4. Sebastián Driussi – Austin FC
5. Carlos Vela – Los Angeles Football Club
6. Jordan Morris – Seattle Sounders FC
7. 7Raúl Ruidíaz – Seattle Sounders FC
8. 8Thiago Almada – Atlanta United
9. Eduard Löwen – St. Louis City SC
10. Cristian Roldan – Seattle Sounders FC
11. Walker Zimmerman – Nashville SC
12. Chicharito – LA Galaxy
13. Sergio Busquets – Inter Miami CF
14. Tim Parker – St. Louis City SC
15. Riqui Puig – LA Galaxy
16. Brandon Vazquez – FC Cincinnati
17. Karol Swiderski – Charlotte FC
18. John Tolkin – New York Red Bulls
19. Diego Chara – Portland Timbers
20. Dénis Bouanga – Los Angeles Football Club
21. Josef Martínez – Inter Miami CF
22. Carles Gil – New England Revolution
23. Dániel Gazdag – Philadelphia Union
24. Enzo Copetti – Charlotte FC
25. Xherdan Shaqiri – Chicago Fire FC

When does Messi’s contract with Inter Miami expire?

Lionel Messi signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Inter Miami in July 2023, so his deal will go through the 2025 MLS season.

Martínez has often been hurt when it’s time to play for the national team. But even when healthy, he was Inexplicably often coming off the bench despite being the squad’s most prolific and versatile goalscorer.

This time, however, it won’t be physical distress or any ailment that keeps the former Caracas FC star away from La Vinotintobut the fact that he’ll have to lead his team through the MLS Playoffs.

Josef Martínez Will Miss The Games Vs. Ecuador And Peru

Martínez sealed Atlanta United’s playoff ticket with a stunning goal against FC Cincinnati. And just like Everton’s Salomón Rondón, he wasn’t called up for the national team for the two-game fixture against Ecuador and Peru.

Josef Martínez and Rondón have often been at the center of controversies in the Venezuelan locker room, which is why a lot of people speculate that the current management simply wants no part of them and vice versa.

Martinez only needed 125 games to get to 100 goals. The old mark was held by Robbie Keane, who scored 100 goals in 156 games for the LA Galaxy.He’s also the fifth player to score his first 100 goals, in all competitions, with one club.

He joined the club of Bradley Wright-Phillips (New York Red Bulls), Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution), Robbie Keane (L.A. Galaxy) and Diego Valeri (Portland Timbers). He has 14 goals this season.

Josef Martinez scored his 100th goal, Atlanta defeats Miami

The goal also served to give Atlanta United their fourth victory in their last five games (10-8-9). Meanwhile, Miami fell to 9-12-5. Martínez did a stutter step on the penalty kick to get goalkeeper Nick Marsman diving the wrong way. The kick was awarded after Leandro González Pirez was called for a hand ball in the box.

The 28-year-old has played for Atlanta United since 2017, and since then, he has shown his quality all over again. In the MLS he’s the owner of several records, including: the record for career hat-tricks with six in his first 44 games, the record for cumulative goals in regular and postseason with 35 and the record for most consecutive games with a goal (15).

With the win, Atlanta United are in the sixth place of the Eastern Conference standings with 39 points and have reached playoffs positions, while Inter Miami are in the 10th place of the table.

It’s no secret that many of the world’s most promising talentsoften emerge from this region, which is why every competition that takes place there always hogs the spotlight in the soccer community. Moreover, the oldest national team tournament is always an eagerly expected eventon the calendar.

With the upcoming edition ofCopa America, here we will bring you an insight on the most expensive players from each national teamaccording to their market value. The figures were provided by TransferMarkt, and this is how the ranking stands.

10. ErwinSaavedra(Bolivia)

Market value: $1.21 million

Bolivar‘s right midfield has the highest market value in the Bolivian national team, and it is no surprise. The 25-year-oldhas alreadyamassed 14 goals and 11 assists in 72 appearances with thelocal giants, and has also earned 18 caps with the national team. However, he was unable to score with La Verde yet. Will he achieve it in this tournament?

9. GuillermoMaripan(Chile)

Market value: $13.20 million

La Roja‘s center-back has had an amazing growth over the last years and quickly settled himself in AS Monaco‘sdefense. After jumping to European soccer from Universidad Católica, it didn’t take long for him toimpressin Deportivo Alavés. Once in the Ligue One, Guillermo Maripánrestored theMonegasques’ confidencewith brilliant performances. Asides from being solid at the back, he has alsobeen on targetseveral times.

8. PervisEstupiñan(Ecuador)

Market value: $13.20 million

Ecuador‘s excitingleft-backhas fought hardto earn a place in one of Europe’s top five leagues after several loan moves from Watford. His spell in Osasunacalled Villarreal‘sattention, as theypaid around $18 million for him ahead of the 2020/21 season. Estupiñáncouldn’t strengthen himself in the starting lineup, though, but he still has 23 years of ageand a bright future ahead of him, which explains his high market value.

7. JosefMartínez (Venezuela)

Market value: $15.40 million

La Vinotinto’s prolific striker became one of the faces of the MLS due to his impressive goalscoring record with Atlanta United. Martínez, 28, was one of the main reasons for The Five Stripes’ supremacyover the past few seasons. He fired them to the MLS Cup title in 2018 after recording 31 goals, earning that year’s MVP award. He already has 12 goals in 54 appearances with Venezuela‘s senior teamand he headlines its squad for the upcoming Copa America.

6 . MiguelAlmirón (Paraguay)

Market value: $17.60 million

Ever since he dazzled in his first appearances with Lanús in Argentine soccer, he was set to jump to the top level. MLS saw him grow and earn experience before making the big step to the Premier League, where he established himself in Newcastle. Despite he needed some adaptation time, Almirón lived up to the expectations and became Paraguay‘s main superstar. He already has 26 caps and two goals with La Albirroja.

5. RenatoTapia (Peru)

Market value: $22 million

Tapia, 25, who has built almost his entire professional career in Europe, quicklyturned into a key piece at the Peruvian national team’s defense. Even though he isn’t a veteran, his appearances would indicate otherwise. He already has played 53 games with Peru, mainly due to his proven experience in the Eredivisie. Celta de Vigo seized the opportunity of landing him for free and he has responded wellmost of the time.

4. DuvánZapata (Colombia)

Market value: $41.80 million

The 30-year-old has established himself as a reliable goalscorer in the Italian top flightand has endured seven years in that league so far. Duván Zapata earned a place in a great Atalanta lineup that played Champions League soccer and did well in the Serie A. It’s no surprise to see such a market value for him, as he netted 15 goalsin 37 league appearances last season.

3. Federico Valverde (Uruguay)

Market value: $77 million

The Uruguayan sensation quickly made himself a name in an enormous club like it is Real Madrid. Things are just getting started, though, for the 22-year-old, who asides from becoming a useful asset in Los Blancos has turned into a crucial name for Oscar Washington Tabarez in La Celeste. He is definitely one of thetalents to watch, even though he is already well-known in the soccer world.

2. LionelMessi(Argentina)

Market value: $88 million

If it wasn’t because of his 33 years of age (that will become 34 on June 24th), he wouldbe probably leading the list. However, Lionel Messi is without a doubt the greatest player Argentina have despite theydo not lack in big names at all. When players reach his age, their performances often get worse and start heading into retirement. But in his case, it seems unpredictable when that will happen, as he keeps on breaking records and shining at the top level regardless of time. The upcoming Copa America will have once again one of the greatestof all time, and soccer fans are eager to watch himin actiononce again.

1. Neymar(Brazil)

Market value: $121 million

Needless to say, the Paris Saint-Germain superstar has been one of the world’s most fascinating players ever since he rose to stardom with Barcelona in 2014 afterbecoming a promising youth talent in Santos. Themost expensive player in history – PSG paid over $270 million to Barca in 2017 – Neymar has given multiple reasons to hold the highest market valuein the continent, and he is Brazil’s main weapon to chase a back-to-back Copa America title.

* Odds via DraftKings

The race for theMLStitle has just started and four teams havea realistic chance of winning the title.Considering the fact that this season is unlike many others, some teams could have dips in form and others might use that in their favorto be in the top spots in the USA/Canadatop flight.

As things stand, LAFC are the current favorites to lift theMLS Cup title. Behind them are the Columbus Crew, with Seattle Sounders and Toronto FC lurking from behind.This has made it extremely difficult for the oddsmakers to pinpoint which team will take the title.

The other title race that is heating up is one for the leading goalscorer, where even five players have a chance to claim the prize. Carlos Vela, Josef Martinez, Raul Ruidiaz, Diego Rossi, and Gonzalo Higuain areDraftKings’ foremost picks to win the scoring title in the Major Soccer League. Each has a case for themselves and with a lot to play for each one could end up becoming the top goalscorer. Here are the top 5picks to become theMLS 2021 top goalscorer.

Carlos Velato become theMLStop goalscorer

Carlos Vela missed a great part of the 2020 season due to a ligament injury. Eventually, hemade barely seven appearances in the league. During those seven games, he scored four times. Overall, his stats in the MLS are out of this world. The Mexican striker has netted 62goals in 81 games for theLos Angeles FC.

Josef Martinezto become theMLStop goalscorer

Aswell as Carlos Vela,Atlanta starJosef Martinez also missed almost the entire 2020 MLS season. He managed to make one rareappearance in the final game of the term, failing to find the net. In the time spent at Atlanta United from 2017 to this day, Martinez has scored a total of 90 goals in 106 matches.

Raul Ruidiazto become theMLStop goalscorer

Ruidiaz appeared in 22 MLSgames for theSounders FC last season, including the MLS Is Back tournament and the MLS Playoffs. The Peru forward scored a total of 14 goals in 2020. For the Seattle side, he has written his name on the scoresheet 44 times on 67 occasions.

Diego Rossito become theMLStop goalscorer

LAFC star Diego Rossi took the pitch 21 times last campaign, scoring 18 total MLS goals, including his goals in the MLS Is Back tournament. In 102 total appearances for the Los Angeles club, Rossi has scored a total of 53 goals so far.

Gonzalo Higuainto become theMLStop goalscorer

The new MLS star,Gonzalo Higuain appeared in nine games for David Beckham’s club, Inter Miami in 2020. In only one of them, he succeeded to beat the rival’s goalkeeper. Much is expected ofMiami’sbiggest signing so far in the 2021 season.

Keep up with all the MLS news and sports betting news around the United States and the world right here at Bolavip!

On its 26th anniversary, the best soccer competition in the US will be having great superstars throughout the league as it keeps improving each year. There were some impressive signings in preseason, such as Brazilian wonderkid Brenner to Cincinnati, or Argentinian promising midfielder Santiago Sosa with Atlanta United.

Ahead of the new campaignthat is about to kick off, here we’ll take a look into the eleven players who have the highest market values, with the figures provided by TransferMarkt. Probably you’ll be impressed to see some big names missing this list, like Chicharito Hernández, Blaise Matuidi, and the newcomerAlexandre Pato. However, it’s time to check out who these players are.

11. Brenner – FC Cincinnati

Market Value: €9 million

Arguably the most interesting signing in preseason, FC Cincinnatisecured a great forward by bringing in the Brazilian striker who dazzled with giants Sao Paulo recently. Brenner only has 21 years of age but heads to the MLS after an incredible breakthrough year with his former team.

He scored 22 goals in 38 games with the Tricolor, and landed to Cincinnati with a$15 million transfer fee. Those figures speaka lot about the potential Brenner has, and he could be a great boost for the league this season.

10. Alan Pulido – Sporting Kansas City

Market value: €9 million

The Mexican was a great addition to the MLS after being signed from the Liga MX, where he had an extremely successful spell between Tigres and Chivas. His market value has been rising since he moved to Kansas City, where he netted seven times in 14 games.

Alan Pulido is about to take part in his third campaign in the US, and if he keeps with such form, his current value probably will keep on increasing. Meanwhile, he is a great asset for the Mexico national team as well.

9. Lucas Zelarayán – Columbus Crew

Market value: €10 million

The Argentine heads to a new year in the MLS after being crowned with Columbus Crewin great fashion. He provided four goals in 2020 regular season and was influential to help his team lift the trophy with a brace in the final.

Zelarayán was acquired from Tigres UANL already as a proven great offensive midfielder, and he showed his signing was worthy. Columbus already earned a trophy with him on the pitch, and at his 28 years of age, ‘El Chino’ is prepared to keep with his great performances.

8 – Rodolfo Pizarro – Inter Miami

Market value: €10 million

Pizarro was one of the first big signings from David Beckham’s Inter Miami for the team’s inaugural season.The Mexico international player was granted the No. 10 as soon as he arrived, but neither he or his teammates found consistency in a year with ups and downs for Inter.

However, he remains one of the best in the league, and 2021 may be the opportunity for him to bounce back. It should be a better campaign forSouth Florida’s side, who are eager to improve last year’s results.

7 – Ezequiel Barco – Atlanta United

Market value: €10 million

It’s no surprise to findthis talented Argentinian star among these players. From the very first moment in which he stepped into the MLS, there were high expectations with Barco. Having made his breakthrough as a pro with only 16years of age in local giants Independiente, he was set to have a bright future in this sport.

The currently22-year-old has amassed 12 goals and12 assists in 80 games with Atlanta United. Due to his age, his market value could be even higher. Thisseason may see him climbplaces in this list.

6 – Gonzalo Higuaín – Inter Miami

Market value: €10 million

Arguably the biggest superstar in the MLS, Gonzalo Higuaín became Inter Miami’s top figure as soon as he joined them. Despite Pipita struggled to score for some games, he immediately showed the skills that allowed him to build an outstanding career.

With 33 years of age, the Argentine will enter his second year in this league, where he will probably make his retirement in the future. The superstar who featured for Real Madrid, Napoli, Juventus, among others, carries Inter’s hopes of recording a great season.

5 – Emanuel Reynoso – Minnesota United

Market value: €10 million

Signing ‘Bebelo’ was a great call by Minnesota. The midfielder wasn’t having too much playing time at Boca Juniors, and that meant a lot of talent wasted. Fortunately for him, the MLS welcomed Reynoso to prove his level.

He still has many years of career ahead, with only 25 years of age. Even though he wasn’t on target very much up to now, Reynoso showed what a playmaker he can be and provided severalassists in his first season in 2020.

4 – Alejandro Pozuelo – Toronto FC

Market value: €12 million

Despite having to leave Europe, moving to the MLS was a boost in the Spaniard’s career. Alejandro Pozuelo found his place in Toronto, and he instantly had a great impact in the league. His first year’s stats were impresive – 12 goals and 7 assists in 30 matches.

But it was inhis second year whenhis performances earned more recognition. Pozuelo was named the MLS MVP in 2020, a deservedly won award for his appearances with TFC.

3 – Josef Martínez – Atlanta United

Market value: €14 million

The Venezuelan striker’s way to stardom in the MLS was instantaneous. Needless to say, Josef Martínez is one of the best players in the entire league. His astonishing goalscoring record speaks by itself – 90 goals in 105 games with Atlanta United.

He was the season top scorer in 2017-18 season being 31 times on target and earning the MLS MVP award. Moreover, he broke a record by netting in 15 succesive league games. With him in the attack, Atlanta don’t need to be concerned about scoring, Martínez always finds the net.

2 – Carlos Vela – Los Angeles FC

Market value: €15 million

Obviously we were going to find this guy among the top places in the ranking. The 32-year-old had everything to succeed in Europe, where he performed for more than 200 games with Real Sociedad following a spell withgiants like Arsenal.

Carlos Vela became aMLS figure from his very first season, in which he scored 14 times in 28 matches. The following year, the Mexican superstar received the MVP award. Just check out his stats in 2019: 34 goals in 31 games! Overall, he was on target 62 times in 80 appearances with LAFC. And that record explains by itself why he is such a big name in the competition.

1. Diego Rossi – Los Angeles FC

Market value: €20 million

The Uruguayan’s market value is much higher than the figures we’ve read before. Well, not only his skills and his age explain those numbers, but his incredible scoring abilities do so as well. After 102 matches with LAFC, Rossi netted 53 times, and he provided 21 assists.

That’s an amazing record for a left winger. The 23-year-old was a great prospect that the MLS brought in and rised to be no longer a promising talent but a superstar in the league, who is also part of his country’s national team and is expected to become the competition’s most expensive outgoing transfersomeday.