Hometown star Martinez nabs MLS All-Star MVP honors in Atlanta

Atlanta United goal machine Josef Martinez was named MLS All-Star Game MVP after scoring the equalizer during Wednesday's defeat to Juventus.

Martinez, who played for Juventus' local rival, Torino, before moving to Atlanta in 2017, headed home a close-range effort following a spell of chaos in the penalty area. That goal nullified Andrea Favilli's 21st-minute marker.

However, the seven-time defending Scudetto champ won the affair 5-3 on penalties, with full-back Mattia De Sciglio beating Zack Steffen with the decisive spot-kick to seal MLS' third defeat on the spin.

Since the All-Star Game format was altered in 2005 to feature opponents from across Europe's top five leagues, MLS players have captured MVP honors eight times, versus six from the various European sides: