ไทย
English
中國人
James Rodríguez made his first MLS start on Saturday for Minnesota United and assured fans he will arrive at the 2026 World Cup with Colombia in "excellent form," with the squad announcement expected in the coming weeks.
Although the 34-year-old's Loons suffered a 1–0 defeat to LAFC, Rodríguez drew attention by returning to the MLS field after a brief hospital stay due to severe dehydration following his involvement with Colombia during the March international break.
Over 63 minutes, James registered two shots on target while dazzling a sold-out crowd of nearly 20,000 — including Colombia head coach Néstor Lorenzo — with sharp dribbling past defenders. Prior to this, he featured for 66 minutes in an away fixture against USL Championship club Sacramento Republic on April 14 in U.S. Open Cup action.
"I felt good with this being my first start here," James told reporters after the game. "Unfortunately, we lost the match ... we had many chances, clear chances, but we have to keep going down this path."
¡Que cerca se quedó James Rodríguez!
Disparo desde fuera del área del colombiano que estuvo a poco de convertirse en el gol del empate de @MNUFC. pic.twitter.com/VONUsnWLTr
While the defeat dropped Minnesota to fifth in the Western Conference and ended a four-match winning run, the significance of getting James into a proper rhythm was considerable. Manager Cameron Knowles, who has been eager to build up the star's minutes, spoke glowingly about his performance despite the loss.
"He's a top-quality player, and that quality shows up exactly where you need it," Knowles said. "He's getting into the uncomfortable areas and spaces that opponents have to deal with. And ultimately, when he gets the ball there, his final pass and decision-making are what make him an elite player."
The Loons will now look to regroup quickly before facing MLS-leading San Jose Earthquakes on Tuesday in the U.S. Open Cup round of 16 — a competition in which they reached the semifinals last season. In that upcoming match, they'll not only face the league's in-form side, but also a red-hot Timo Werner, who netted a brace on Saturday to bring his tally to four goals in four games.
World Cup Focus for James
Unlike other high-profile players who have joined MLS in recent years, James's contract with Minnesota is notably short-term, running only through the World Cup, with a club option to keep him for the remainder of the season.
For both parties, reaching a mutually beneficial arrangement is essential.
"I wanted to score today, that's why I was shooting from every angle. [I was] trying to find whatever way I could help the team, whether playing a lot or a little — I'm always going to be ready and will always compete to contribute," James added.
"There are around six matches left before the World Cup, and I'm very focused on everything that lies ahead. Whatever playing time I get, whether a lot or very little, I'm going to make the most of it."
The hunt for his first MLS goal will continue after the midweek fixture, when the Loons aim to get back to winning ways against the Columbus Crew on May 2.
World Cup legends. 🇨🇴🇫🇷
James Rodríguez 🤝 Hugo Lloris pic.twitter.com/0aIiDODhzh
In the meantime, James will continue sharpening his game in training, aiming to hit peak form and fitness ahead of what is likely to be his final World Cup campaign — closing an international chapter that began with a breakout performance at the 2014 World Cup.
"I'm going to arrive in good shape. I'm going to arrive in excellent form," he said. "There's still a month to go, and I'm training hard — training to the max, giving everything, just as I always have. So, whatever playing time comes my way here, I think it's going to go well."