Since joining Inter Miami in July 2023, captain Lionel Messi has been the standout player in Major League Soccer (MLS), securing three trophies and winning the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards in both 2024 and 2025. However, former United States men’s national team goalkeeper Tim Howard has pointed to James Rodríguez of Minnesota United as the likely contender to challenge Messi’s dominance this season.
Howard criticized San Jose Earthquakes forward Timo Werner, calling into question the signing’s effectiveness, but expressed strong confidence in Rodríguez’s ability to outperform other players when Messi is not on the field.
James Rodríguez’s MLS Arrival and Impact
Rodríguez joined Minnesota United in February on a five-month contract after being released by Club Leon in December 2025. The Colombian playmaker, known for his past stints with clubs such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and AS Monaco, made a solid impact in Liga MX by scoring five goals and assisting nine times across 34 appearances for Leon.
Howard noted,
“And then James Rodríguez. From a couple people I talked to who are sort of at and around Everton and other places, they told me, ‘Look, Tim, if Lionel Messi’s not on the field… James Rodríguez will be the best player on every field he touches,’”
highlighting Rodríguez’s skill and influence on the pitch.
Challenges for Timo Werner and MLS Expectations
In contrast, Howard remarked disparagingly on Werner’s recent performances, saying,
“Timo couldn’t hit a cow’s a** with a banjo. I’ve watched him for two seasons at Tottenham Hotspur literally go through one-on-one with a goalkeeper, it’s hard to watch,”
and adding,
“I’m like, ‘That’s not okay.’ When it becomes comical, you’re sort of infringing on someone’s personal space kind of thing and so even though I just said a disrespectful statement, does that get better in the MLS? I don’t know,”
during an episode of the Unfiltered Soccer podcast with Landon Donovan.
Despite concerns over Werner, the attention now shifts firmly to Rodríguez as the rising force likely to push for the MLS MVP title alongside Messi.
Upcoming Debut and Future Prospects in MLS and Beyond
Rodríguez is set to make his debut for Minnesota United in their upcoming away match against Austin FC at Q2 Stadium on February 21. His arrival brings new hope for Minnesota as they aim to become serious contenders for the MLS Cup this year.
As the 2024 Copa America Golden Ball winner and the 2014 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot holder, Rodríguez’s form in MLS could also play a significant role in Colombia’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With Messi already setting high standards, the potential rivalry between him and Rodríguez adds an intriguing dimension to the current MLS season, emphasizing the league’s growing talent pool and competitive spirit.
