Minnesota United are in 11th place of the Western Conference right now. They have just four points in three games. However, a win could put them as high as sixth if other results help their case. It’s an important game altogether for them, so having Rodriguez available is great news.

The Vancouver Whitecaps are third winning all three games so far. In fact, they have scored eight goals and just allowed one. Hence, it’s a good defense and a top offense. Minnesota has struggled scoring just four goals while allowing five.

The Whitecaps have a star too

At 36 years old, World Cup champion Thomas Muller is still a game-changer in the MLS. Muller will start for the Whitecaps, and with him on the field, danger is always there. Muller’s high IQ allow him to still be a factor despite losing physicality. Also, he was never the fastest player, but he’s always been one of the smartest.

The Whitecaps will still not count on captain Ryan Gauld, who continues to recover from an arthroscopic debridement on his left knee. He is expected to make a full, healthy return by April. Still, the Whitecaps are a very powerful team even if Gauld doesn’t play.

James vs Muller is an incredible duel for hardcore fans

Both guys had their primes between 2013 and 2018, but both have kept what made them elite players back in the day: their brain and educated feet. James always exceled at making unseen plays thanks to his creativity and magical left foot.

Muller‘s biggest strengths have always been his mentality, game IQ, and killer instinct. Those features still remain. Both the Whitecaps and United know their chances of success come from relying on their stars.

Social media reports from insiders Tom Bogert and Pipe Sierra revealed that Minnesota United are in conversations to secure a marquee signing on a short-term deal with the Colombian, who currently remains a free agent following his departure from Mexico’s Club Leon.

Rodriguez had previously made public his desire to join Major League Soccer, with his name linked to both Austin FC and Orlando City. However, those negotiations failed to progress as expected, ending without an agreement. Now, it appears he is set to compete in the Western Conference.

James’ status has become a point of concern for the Colombia National Team. The former Real Madrid midfielder hasn’t played a competitive match since November 8, when he made his final appearance for Club Leon. With the 2026 World Cup just four months away, the Colombian coaching staff is hopeful his situation is resolved quickly so he can return to regular action.

Other stars arriving in MLS

Should James’ move to Minnesota United materialize, he would be far from the only star in the league competing against Messi for the MLS Cup title. In addition to Son Heung-min and Thomas Muller, who have been part of the league since last season, Champions League winner Timo Werner is set to feature in the upcoming campaign.

San Jose Earthquakes have signed Werner to a Designated Player contract through June 2028, marking his first stint in MLS. “I bring the knowledge and the confidence of having won trophies, which, combined with the quality we already have, certainly makes us a dangerous team,” Werner stated in German during his official club presentation.

Rumors are also circulating that Casemiro could join the league next season. Following Manchester United’s announcement that they will not renew the Brazilian’s contract, LA Galaxy have reportedly moved to secure his services in a bid to contend for the championship.

In their recent friendly against Mexico, Rodriguez showcased his playmaking prowess by assisting John Lucumi for the opening goal, while Diaz capped off the performance by netting the third goal in what was a commanding victory for Colombia. This victory highlighted the team’s dominance over the North American squad during last week’s encounter.

The presence of Rodriguez and Diaz has undeniably transformed Colombia‘s lineup, and head coach Nestor Lorenzo seems to regard them as pivotal figures for the national team. Following their impressive run in the 2024 Copa America, where they reached the finals, Colombia’s ambitions for the upcoming World Cup have never been clearer.

With Canada‘s role as one of the host nations for the forthcoming tournament, Colombian fans are keen to see Rodriguez and Diaz featured prominently in the lineup for their imminent clash against Canada. This encounter is pivotal for both sides as they prepare to face formidable international competition in the World Cup.

Are James and Diaz playing today for Colombia against Canada?

Both James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz are anticipated to play against Canada today, but only Diaz in the starting X1. Rodriguez will be in the bench, but he is expected to have some minutes.

Reports suggested that Juan Camilo ‘Cucho’ Hernandez, a former Columbus Crew standout in the MLS, was going to be included in the starting lineup against Canada, and he was. His exceptional form with Real Betis in Spain, where he has tallied nine goals in 23 matches since last season, underscores his growing influence.

Confirmed starting lineup for Colombia vs. Canada

In addition to Diaz and Rodriguez, Colombia are likely to call upon players who have recently excelled at their clubs, including Luis Javier Suarez from Sporting CP and Juan Fernando Quintero of River Plate.

Predicted starting XI for Colombia:

• Goalkeeper: Alvaro Montero
• Defenders: Andres Roman, Davinson Sanchez, Jhon Lucumi, Johan Mojica
• Midfielders: Juan Camilo Hernandez, Richard Rios, Juanfer Quintero, Juan Camilo Portilla, Luis Diaz
• Forwards: Jaminton Campaz

James Rodriguez will start for Colombia against Mexico at AT&T Stadium, as head coach Néstor Lorenzo confirmed the captain’s presence along with Bayern Munich forward Luis Diaz in the starting lineup.

“James, our captain, will play, and Lucho Díaz will play,” Lorenzo said Friday morning from the Colombian team’s hotel in Dallas. “I’ve followed León closely. James started the season well, then his form dipped as several players left, but we have him ready and committed to our system”.

The Argentine coach also emphasized that, during this stage of preparation for the 2026 World Cup, the most important thing for Rodriguez is to stay healthy and maintain consistent playing time with his club.

“The most important thing is that he’s fit and playing regularly. We’ll adapt him so he can give his best to the team. We have a strong group, a solid foundation to build a great team, and our goal is to have a successful World Cup,” Lorenzo added.

Two key absences for Colombia

Nestor Lorenzo made a surprising call by leaving out midfielder Jhon Arias of Wolverhampton and forward Jhon Cordoba of Krasnodar for the team’s upcoming friendlies in the United States. Both players had been regulars in previous call-ups and even featured in the starting lineup.

However, Lorenzo explained the decisions were practical. Arias is still adapting to the Premier League, and his performances so far haven’t met expectations. Cordoba, meanwhile, faces a long journey from Russia and was dealing with fatigue, so he was left out for now. Lorenzo expects both players to be available for the November FIFA window.

With Messi sidelined for Argentina’s World Cup Qualifying match against Ecuador, Rodriguez climbed in the scoring leaderboard. As MisterChip on X notes, James clinched the second spot, tying Chile’s Alexis Sanchez. In first place, Neymar leads with 19 assists.

The Colombian star continues to etch his name in the annals of his nation’s soccer history, much to the delight of the fan base. However, Tuesday’s match against Venezuela may mark the end of an era, as Rodriguez might have played his final World Cup Qualifier for Colombia.

Colombia have already secured its spot for next year’s World Cup in North America. As a result, the team is diligently working on assembling its strongest possible lineup to compete at the highest level in this prestigious tournament.

Rodriguez boasts all-time record for Colombia

In a series of impressive performances during the World Cup Qualifiers for the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), Rodriguez has surpassed the legendary Carlos ‘Pibe’ Valderrama in assists provided in tournament history.

The Colombian midfielder continues to deliver extraordinary performances, fueling hopes and aspirations for the upcoming World Cup. With expectations rising, the team aims to excel in the 2026 tournament, following their strong showing at the 2024 Copa America, which was held in the United States.

The 2025 MLS All-Star Game heads to Austin with plenty of star power. Liga MX brings in Sergio Ramos and James Rodriguez, adding veteran leadership and flair to a matchup that’s already shaping up as one to watch.

Ramos, now captain of the Liga MX squad, brings a wealth of experience to the showcase, while Rodriguez adds a creative edge. Their presence underscores Liga MX’s intent to make this edition more than just an exhibition.

On the MLS side, all eyes are on Lionel Messi. Though listed on the roster, his continued absence from training raises doubts about whether the Argentine icon will take the field in one of the league’s biggest events.

All-Star showdown: MLS and Liga MX rosters for 2025 clash

The 2025 MLS All-Star Game brings North America’s top talent together at Austin’s Q2 Stadium on July 23—featuring an elite roster up against Liga MX’s best. Through fan voting, coach picks and commissioner selections, both sides are stacked for a clash of experience and flair…

MLS All-Star roster highlights

Goalkeepers:

• Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United) – voted in after leading in clean sheets
• Brad Stuver (Austin FC) – coach’s pick
• Yohei Takaoka (Vancouver Whitecaps) – coach’s pick

Defenders:

• Jordi Alba (Inter Miami)
• Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew)
• Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver)
• Michael Boxall (Minnesota)
• Alex Freeman (Orlando)
• Jakob Glesnes (Philadelphia)
• Andy Najar (Nashville)
• Miles Robinson (Cincinnati)
• Kai Wagner (Philadelphia)

Midfielders:

• Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver)
• Cristian Espinoza (San Jose)
• Evander (FC Cincinnati)
• Carles Gil (New England)
• Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake)
• Hany Mukhtar (Nashville)
• Jeppe Tverskov (San Diego)
• Obed Vargas (Seattle)
• Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago)

Forwards:

• Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
• Denis Bouanga (LAFC)
• Tai Baribo (Philadelphia)
• Anders Dreyer (San Diego)
• Chucky Lozano (San Diego)
• Marco Pašalić (Orlando)
• Diego Rossi (Columbus)
• Sam Surridge (Nashville)
• Brian White (Vancouver)

Liga MX All-Star roster highlights

Goalkeepers:

• Luis Malagón (Club América)
• Kevin Mier (Cruz Azul)

Defenders:

• Sergio Ramos (Monterrey)
• Sebastián Cáceres (Club América)
• Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul)
• Luan García (Toluca)
• Jesús Gallardo (Toluca)
• Joaquim Pereira (Tigres UANL)
• Israel Reyes (Club América)
• Ignacio Rivero (Cruz Azul)
• Carlos Rotondi (Cruz Azul)

Midfielders:

• Roberto Alvarado (Chivas Guadalajara)
• Juan Brunetta (Tigres UANL)
• Sergio Canales (CF Monterrey)
• Rodrigo Dourado (Atlético San Luis)
• Érik Lira (Cruz Azul)
• Elías Montiel (CF Pachuca)
• Gilberto Mora (Club Tijuana)
• James Rodríguez (Club León)
• Marcel Ruíz (Toluca)
• Agustín Palavecino (Necaxa)
• Alejandro Zendejas (Club América)

Forwards:

• Diber Cambindo (Necaxa)
• Hugo Camberos (Chivas Guadalajara)
• Uroš Đurđević (Atlas)
• Henry Martín (Club América)
• Paulinho (Toluca)
• Brian Rodríguez (Club América)
• Alexis Vega (Toluca)

Argentina rescued one point with a 1-1 draw against Colombia at Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, in a complicated match for La Albiceleste. Throughout the game, in which Enzo Fernandez saw a red card, there were several confrontations between players, including a heated word exchange between Lionel Messi and James Rodriguez.

While Messi didn’t talk to the press after the match, Rodriguez only needed nine words to address the situation. “What happens on the pitch, stays on the pitch,” he told reporters with a smile in a video shared by Diario Ole.

Messi went to talk to Rodriguez just after Fernandez was sent off at the 70th minute mark. While they covered their mouths during most of the discussion, the footage revealed part of what they said to each other.

“You said the referees have helped us in the final [referring to the 2024 Copa America final],” Messi confronted James. To which the Colombian star, visibly surprised, replied, “Me? I didn’t say anything.” However, Messi didn’t leave it. “You talk too much,” he said.

Messi referred to Rodriguez’s claims during an interview with Edu Aguirre, which occurred weeks after the tournament. “We put on a commendable performance at Copa America, coming close to victory. However, due to external factors, we were unable to clinch the title. I believe the refereeing favored them,“ Rodriguez said at the time.

Colombia near World Cup qualification

Since losing the Copa America final 1-0 in extra time, Colombia have put Argentina in trouble in their two World Cup Qualifying encounters. In Barranquilla, Los Cafeteros won 2-1 in another heated match, before Tuesday’s draw.

While Argentina already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, Colombia only need another triumph to seal their ticket to the tournament. Los Cafeteros will play against Bolivia and Venezuela in September.

Despite Argentina’s fervent efforts, it wasn’t their best performance. Playing on home turf at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium, ‘La Albiceleste’ faced a high-pressure game. Demonstrating strategic brilliance, Colombia seized the lead with a remarkable solo run by Luis Diaz, who was undoubtedly Colombia’s standout player on Tuesday night.

After the stunning goal, Argentina dominated possession and dictated the pace of play. However, Colombia’s formidable defensive line remained impenetrable. Even Messi, who is expected to consistently deliver standout performances, struggled to make his usual impact. The situation worsened for Argentina after Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a reckless challenge. Nevertheless, ‘La Albiceleste’ managed to level the score with a late-game strike from Thiago Almada.

The tension peaked when, following Fernandez’s red card, Messi was seen exchanging heated words with Rodriguez. They covered their mouths, as their animated discussion appeared anything but amiable. Upon reviewing the footage, the exchange between the Argentine superstar and James became clear.

Messi confronted James, saying, “You said the referees have helped us in the final [referring to the 2024 Copa America final].” To this, James replied, visibly surprised, “I didn’t say anything.” With a final retort, Messi concluded, “You talk too much.”

Rodriguez’s remarks ignite Messi’s frustration

Messi, the Argentine maestro, did not hold back in expressing his views to Colombia‘s captain, Rodriguez, following the 2024 Copa America final. Messi had reason to speak up, given a video that corroborates Rodriguez’s controversial remarks about the referees. Indeed, Messi was accurate in citing Rodriguez’s comments about the officiating.

In an interview conducted weeks after the tournament, Spaniard journalist Edu Aguirre sat down with Rodriguez, capturing exactly what Messi had reiterated during their on-field exchange. “We put on a commendable performance at Copa America, coming close to victory. However, due to external factors, we were unable to clinch the title. I believe the refereeing favored them,“ Rodriguez acknowledged.

Messi sets his sights on the Club World Cup

With the aftermath of the Copa America with Argentina behind him, Messi now turns his focus to a new challenge: the Club World Cup. The legendary forward is gearing up for the tournament, where Inter Miami faces Al Ahly in the opener, and expectations are sky-high for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Though there have been murmurs about lower-than-anticipated ticket sales, both Inter Miami and Messi aim to thrill the fans, with the first match taking place in Miami. As he prepares to compete against some of the world’s elite clubs, Messi is eager to affirm his prowess on the global stage.

“It is true that we are not on a good run, but I think it will pass. Argentina are a nice challenge, they are a team that will let us play, they are strong, but we can hurt them,” James Rodriguez said after the game against Peru.

Although the Colombian national team is not in peak form, its clashes with Argentina consistently remain tight. For example, Colombia secured a 2-1 victory in their last encounter, with James Rodriguez leading his team to success. Meanwhile, Argentina have already punched their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Consequently, they approach this match without the urgency that their rival faces.

Unlike the game against Chile, Lionel Messi will start after deciding to return in Buenos Aires. Coach Lionel Scaloni can also rely on Nicolas Otamendi, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, and Nicolas Gonzalez. This bolsters Argentina‘s chances significantly. In contrast, the Colombian national team faces challenges as young striker Jhon Jader Duran left the squad due to a reported back injury.

Colombian national team pushes forward with bold project despite recent setbacks

Although the results have not gone Colombia’s way, the national team’s project remains one of the most promising in CONMEBOL. The squad features world-class players such as Jefferson Lerma, Daniel Muñoz, and Luis Diaz. With them, Colombia are building a strong foundation for the future. The goal is to create a project that boosts James Rodriguez’s form ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Even so, head coach Nestor Lorenzo has faced heavy criticism for recent decisions. He excluded Mateo Casierra and Carlos Andres Gomez, two players who could have offered something different. However, the possible inclusion of Yaser Asprilla and Marino Hinestroza add fresh energy to the squad. Moreover, Luis Diaz’s return could give Colombia a much-needed spark. The team must win now to change its momentum.

The decision came following weeks of speculation. In a statement posted on social media, Club Leon emphasized that their intention to compete was never financially motivated, but rather rooted in the pursuit of sporting glory.

“As an institution, we accept the cost and consequences of such a process, but those who have suffered the most along the way are our people: our fans and players deserved more respect from an organization that claims to promote the sport. From the start, no sporting principle existed in this case,” the statement read.

Also, Club Leon pointed the institutions that make the decision on their retirement from the tournament, and they want to fight for their honor instead. “For Club Leon, participating in the Club World Cup was never about power or money. We fought until the end to be there because, as a sports organization, we strive for the kind of glory that can only be earned, defended, and deserved on the pitch. Money comes and goes, time can be recovered, the player keeps fighting, and the fan never walks away, but honor, that is untouchable,“ Club Leon stated.

Club Leon responds to FIFA with formal complaint

Following FIFA’s recent ruling, Club Leon issued a strong statement highlighting the challenges the Mexican club has faced in recent months. The team emphasized the impact of FIFA’s decision regarding the upcoming Club World Cup, expressing concern over the lack of transparency and fairness.

“In recent weeks, we have been targeted, stigmatized, and defamed. That is the greatest damage done to a team that has always competed with humility and integrity. The history of Club Leon is simple: play with courage, win with justice, and compete with loyalty,“ the club stated.

Club Leon’s spot to be filled in Club World Cup

Club Leon acknowledged that their place in the tournament will be taken by another team. However, they voiced frustration over how the situation was handled and questioned the process behind the decision.

“We know a team must take our place in the Club World Cup. We hope the sporting values that were not honored in this case will be respected in theirs, that they cannot be sold by anyone or bought by anyone,” the club added.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Rodriguez expressed his disagreement with FIFA’s reasoning, suggesting that bigger interests were at play in selecting another team for the tournament.

“There are interests beyond León being left out. I have my doubts about all of this. It’s strange, and I believe there’s a strong push to get another team into the tournament. FIFA needs to wake up because I have my doubts, and this stains football,” Rodriguez stated.

The former Real Madrid star also called the exclusion a major injustice, not just for himself, but for the entire team. “Not just me, but everyone here feels this is unfair. As the coach and Stiven Barreiro said, we earned everything on the field. Four of us at this press conference today know exactly what we achieved. This decision has hit us hard, and if we’re out, it’s simply not fair,” Rodriguez emphasized.

Defending Leon and its fans

Beyond criticizing FIFA’s ruling, Rodríguez also highlighted the impact on Leon’s fans, many of whom had already spent money on travel and accommodations for the tournament.

“The integrity of the competition is now in question. It’s unfair to León, a club that has accomplished great things. And what about the fans? Many have already paid for their trips—how do you tell them now that they’re not going? It just doesn’t make sense,” he added.

Why was Club Leon excluded?

Club Leon initially secured its spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup by winning the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup. However, FIFA later ruled that the club failed to meet eligibility criteria.

The controversy began in 2024 when Costa Rican club Liga Deportiva Alajuelense filed a complaint questioning Leon’s participation. On March 21, Club Pachuca—also owned by Grupo Pachuca—announced that either León or Pachuca would be excluded from the soccer tournament. Soon after, FIFA released an official statement explaining its decision:

“After evaluating all the evidence, the chairman of the FIFA appeal committee has determined that both CF Pachuca and Club Leon are in violation of regulations concerning multi-club ownership. As a result, FIFA has decided that Club León will not be admitted to the competition.”

Under Article 10, Paragraph 1 of the tournament regulations, two clubs under the same ownership group cannot participate in the FIFA Club World Cup. Since Leon and Pachuca are both owned by Grupo Pachuca, FIFA ruled that only one team could compete—ultimately choosing Pachuca over León.