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The international break is in full swing, and the eyes of Atlanta United fans were on Madrid, Spain as Josef Martinez and Venezuela took on Pity Martinez, some guy named Lionel Messi, and Argentina. Argentina, a perennial world power, were expected to roll against Venezuela, who entered the night just 1-2-8 all-time against their CONMEBOL foe.
That wasn’t the case tonight for Vinotinto, who scored twice in the first half and once more in the second to top La Albiceleste 3-1. In an ironic twist, Josef Martinez came on in the 72nd minute for Salomon Rondon, Miguel Almiron’s teammate at Newcastle United. Just minutes later, after a penalty was given to Venezuela, César Farías turned to Atlanta’s star striker to take it. And Josef didn’t miss for his first goal for his country since 2016.
@JosefMartinez17 scores from the spot to put up 3-1 vs Leo Messi and pic.twitter.com/1wnNoXfi7v
— MLS Rewind (@MLSRewind) March 22, 2019
Yes, it’s only a friendly, but this is a quite famous victory ahead of this summer’s Copa America for Venezuela, just its second over Argentina. It’s Josef coming out on top in this battle of Atlanta United teammates - could he and Pity clash again later this year in the CONMEBOL tournament?