James Rodriguez is expected to play his last match for Minnesota United when the Loons host the struggling Colorado Rapids on Wednesday night in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
The 34-year-old Colombian star, who shot to global fame by winning the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, signed a short-term contract with Minnesota through June 2026, with an option to extend to December. He is scheduled to depart after Wednesday’s game to join Colombia’s national team camp ahead of next month’s World Cup.
Rodriguez came off the bench and provided two assists in a 2-2 draw with Austin FC on Sunday. He dismissed rumors reported by Apple TV that he planned to retire after the World Cup.
“They said those things for views and likes,” Rodriguez said. “I’m the only person who knows how long I’ll play. When that day comes, I will announce it, but I think I have a few more years left in me. All those things that people say are false.”
Minnesota (6-3-3, 21 points) is locked in a tight race for third place in the Western Conference alongside Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles FC, both also on 21 points. The Loons have gone 5-1-2 in their last eight MLS matches since a 6-0 thrashing at second-place Vancouver on March 15.
Colorado (4-7-1, 13 points) has lost three straight and is winless in its last five (0-4-1). The Rapids were stunned 1-0 at home on Sunday by St. Louis City, a team sitting 14th in the West that had gone winless in its previous six road games (0-4-2).
Colorado has managed just one win in seven road matches this season (1-5-1), but head coach Matt Wells hopes his side can take inspiration from St. Louis’ approach.
“I told the guys we can use St. Louis as a template,” Wells said. “Their form has not been great. Certainly, their away form has not been great. Yet, they came to our house where we are unbeaten and beat us one-nil, and they took three points from us. We’re about to go to Minnesota, a tough away game. We’re in a difficult spell. Let’s take inspiration from what St. Louis has done here.”
Colorado last visited Saint Paul on Aug. 10, 2025, and emerged with a 2-1 victory thanks to a second-half brace from Darren Yapi.
