The 32 year-old won the Golden Boot in Brazil a decade ago, his volleyed effort against Uruguay in the round of 16 still regarded as one of the World Cup's best ever goals, but his career has been on a downward track over the last few years.

After playing for the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, Rodriguez joined Brazilian side Sao Paulo last year, making it his fourth club in as many seasons.

He played at Everton in 2020-2021 before being sold to Qatari side Al-Rayyan and then joining Olympiakos on a free transfer.

However, the Colombia captain was the difference in his nation's Group D game in Houston and was named Man of the Match.

"I'm very happy, it's important to start well today against a tough opponent like Paraguay," Rodriguez said. "We could have done better in the second half, but you correct things better when the team wins, it's much easier that way."

More than 60,000 Colombian fans at Houston's NRG Stadium gave Rodriguez a standing ovation as he left the field in stoppage time after a performance that has his side hopeful of lifting the continental trophy again after a 23-year wait.

"It's beautiful, they are supporting us a lot. We have a long way to go in this Copa America and we're taking it one game at a time," Rodriguez said.

Colombia next faces Costa Rica on Saturday before taking on Brazil four days later.