Life after Lionel Messi! Ex-Inter Miami striker and former MLS MVP Josef Martinez signs for CF Montreal in blockbuster transfer

The Canadian club announced that they secured the signature of the Venezuela international Tuesday morning, with Martinez joining on a TAM deal. The 30-year-old will bolster the ranks of their attack, linking up with former USMNT Under-23 international striker Mason Toye and ex-LAFC star Kwadwo Opoku.

Martinez departed the Herons this offseason after an underwhelming campaign in 2023, where he was team-mates with Argentina superstar Lionel Messi. He scored 12 goals in 40 games during last season, after notching 106 goals in 155 appearances for Atlanta United over a six-year span. Now, after landing in Montreal, he'll look to bolster their attack and bring them to the top of the Western Conference in 2024.

In 2018, Martinez became the most decorated player in MLS history in terms of a single season. He was named league MVP, All-Star Game MVP, earned the Golden Boot and was named MLS Cup Final MVP.

The MLS side are set to continue their current preseason program before preparing for the upcoming campaign in the next few weeks. Their 2024 opening match arrives on Saturday, February 24, against Orlando City SC in Martinez's return to the state of Florida.