Rodriguez Arrives in MLS: European Spark Meets Messi's Miami in a Minnesota United Era
6 February 2026
A New MLS Chapter: Rodriguez Arrives in Minnesota
Colombian international playmaker James Rodriguez has moved to Major League Soccer, joining Minnesota United, the club announced on Friday.
The star, formerly of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, arrived in MLS as a free agent after leaving Club León in Mexico, signing a deal through June with an option to extend to 2026.
Rodriguez said he is excited about this new chapter in his life. He hopes to be at his best to bring joy to this city and to everyone who believed in him.
He will face a fresh challenge, with Minnesota United set to host Inter Miami led by Argentine star Lionel Messi, in what promises to be a sizzling MLS showcase.
The move gives Rodriguez a chance to rewrite European battles on American soil and to test his old rivalries in a league where the rules are new but the excitement is familiar.
With the transfer, the Colombian becomes a central figure in MLS and hopes to show he still has the magic touch in front of stars like Messi.
Punchline 1: In MLS, Rodriguez brings sparkle—defenders might need a map and a compass to track his runs.
Punchline 2: If they score, the crowd may need a bigger fireworks permit—two wizards, one ball, and a lot of astonished goalkeepers.
