A new name has started to appear in reports surrounding potential future players for the Argentina national team: Joaquín “Oso” Martínez. The 22-year-old defender, currently playing for Sevilla FC, has drawn attention in Spain and could become another dual-national player followed by Lionel Scaloni’s coaching staff.
Martínez was born in Torrevieja, Spain, but has strong family ties to Argentina. His father, Hernán Martínez, is originally from Reconquista, in the province of Santa Fe. That connection has allowed the young defender to obtain Argentine nationality, meaning he is eligible to represent either Argentina or Spain at the international level.
He recently made his debut as a starter in La Liga with Sevilla, a moment that quickly put him in the spotlight. His first appearance came at the Mestalla stadium against Valencia, where he started the match and played until the 85th minute.
Martínez plays mainly as a left back or wing-back but can also operate as a winger. His performances before a recent muscle injury against Girona had already shown his main strengths: strong physical presence, constant runs down the left side, and an ability to contribute in attack.
His displays have impressed the coaching staff at Sevilla, currently managed by former Argentina international Matías Almeyda. According to reports in Andalusian media, the player has been considered one of the club’s most promising discoveries this season.
The defender’s football path began in Spain. Martínez developed through the youth systems of Kelme CF, Real Murcia, and Málaga CF. His professional debut came in 2022 with Atlético Malagueño, where he played four matches and scored one goal.
In 2023, he moved to Sevilla Atlético, the club’s reserve team, where he made 65 appearances and scored three goals. During that period he played mostly as a left winger, but coaches later moved him deeper on the field to play as a wing-back or full-back.
That positional change helped him adapt to the tactical demands of the first team and eventually led to his opportunity in La Liga.
His rise has also attracted attention from the Argentina national team staff. Reports in Spain indicate that Lionel Scaloni and his assistants are monitoring Martínez’s development as they continue to evaluate young players eligible for the Albiceleste.
I was wondering if Scaloni and his team noticed this player. If I can stay in Jamaica and notice him why wouldn’t they. Glad they did though.
On another note, I notice there was very little comment about this Prestianni issue. I believe it has done a lot of harm to Argentina and the AFA should see what can be done to counter this kind of allegation, because just listening to people and reading online, there is a certain perception out there that is not helpful to either the football team or the country in general