On a warm Tuesday night at BMO Stadium, 20-year-old David Martinez delivered a performance to remember, leading LAFC to a thrilling 3-1 victory over Mexican powerhouse Tigres UANL in an international friendly that felt anything but casual. With a goal, an assist, and relentless energy on both ends of the pitch, Martinez once again showed why he is rapidly becoming one of Major League Soccer’s brightest young stars.

Facing a Tigres squad stacked with talent and experience – including veterans André-Pierre Gignac and Guido Pizarro – LAFC needed someone to step up. That someone was Martinez. From the opening whistle, the young Venezuelan winger was electric, slicing through defenders with ease and keeping the Tigres backline on high alert.

The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Martinez received a clever pass from Eduard Atuesta near the left touchline. With a quick burst of pace, Martinez cut inside, evaded two defenders, and curled a beautiful right-footed strike into the top-right corner past Nahuel Guzmán. The crowd erupted as Martinez ran to the corner flag, arms wide, soaking in the adulation.

Martinez on the Loose

Just ten minutes later, in the 33rd minute, Martinez picked up the ball again on the left flank and drove toward the box. Drawing in three defenders, he slipped a perfect through ball to Denis Bouanga, who calmly slotted it home to double LAFC’s lead. It was Martinez’s seventh assist of the season – a testament to his vision and decision-making in the final third.

“He’s maturing game by game,” said LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo after the match. “David has always had the raw talent, but now we’re seeing his tactical awareness and leadership grow. Tonight was a complete performance.”

Tigres managed to pull one back in the 58th minute through Gignac, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to finish from close range. But LAFC never lost control of the match, with Martinez continuing to torment Tigres’ right-back Javier Aquino, forcing the veteran into multiple fouls and earning a yellow card in the 65th minute.

The crowd at BMO Stadium was buzzing every time Martinez touched the ball. His combination of pace, technical skill, and flair kept fans on the edge of their seats, and his relentless pressing when out of possession highlighted his commitment on both ends of the field.

“I just wanted to make a statement,” Martinez said postgame. “Tigres is a top team in Liga MX, and for me, this was a chance to prove myself. I’m grateful to my teammates and the fans for the support.”

Shining Martinez Means More Action in the Leagues Cup

Martinez came off to a standing ovation in the 81st minute, replaced by veteran Cristian Olivera. As he left the field, Cherundolo greeted him with a firm handshake and a few words – a likely recognition of the young winger’s growing importance to the team.

With this win, LAFC not only gained a confidence boost ahead of their upcoming league matches but also sent a message to their international competition: they are not to be taken lightly, especially when David Martinez is on the pitch.

The win also adds another impressive chapter to Martinez’s breakout 2025 season. After arriving from Monagas SC last year with modest expectations, Martinez has developed into one of the league’s top attacking threats. He now has six goals and seven assists in all competitions, and his performances are beginning to attract attention from European scouts.

“He’s fearless,” said teammate Ilie Sánchez. “You can see it in the way he plays. He takes on defenders, he defends, he works for the team. He’s special.”

As LAFC turns its focus back to league play, they’ll be hoping Martinez can maintain this red-hot form. If Tuesday night was any indication, the sky’s the limit for the Venezuelan sensation.