Returning to Monterrey for the 2018–19 season, he made his Liga MX debut on 20 October 2018, coming on as a substitute in a 2–1 victory over Toluca.[5] He would score his first goal with Monterrey on 15 February 2019, in a 3–2 victory over Monarcas Morelia.[6] He would prove to be a vital part of the club as they would win the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League Finals against town rivalsTigres UANL[7] and be included in the competition's Team of the Tournament.[8]
On 14 December, in the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final match against Al Sadd, he would score Monterrey's third goal in a 3–2 victory.[9] At the end of the month, he disputed in both legs of the Apertura championship finals against América. He would score an own goal in the first leg but Monterrey eventually won the match with a 2–1 score.[10] After a 1–2 loss in the second leg, Monterrey would win the finals after defeating América in a penalty shoot-out.[11] He was eventually included in the Best XI of the Apertura 2019.[12]
Five months after his Liga MX debut, Rodríguez was included in Gerardo Martino's first minicamp,[5] and on 22 March 2019, he made his debut for the senior national team in a friendly against Chile, as a starter.[15] Following his debut, Martino stated "Carlos Rodríguez plays like he plays, which looks like a 30-year-old."[16]
In May 2019, Rodríguez was included in the preliminary roster for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup[17] and was included in the final list.[18] He would appear in all matches of the tournament as Mexico went on to win the final against the United States.[19]
In October 2022, Rodríguez was named in Mexico's preliminary 31-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and in November, he was ultimately included in the final 26-man roster.[20]
Personal life
On 6 October 2020, Rodríguez tested positive for COVID-19.[21] Following a self-imposed quarantine, he resumed training with Monterrey about two weeks later.[22]
