James Rodríguez starred for Minnesota United on Sunday, providing two assists in a 2-2 draw against Austin FC during the 12th round of Major League Soccer, while dismissing retirement talk.
The Colombian playmaker entered the match just after the hour mark, replacing Tomás Chancalay. Four minutes later, he set up Anthony Markanich for the opener, and in the 77th minute, he assisted Argentine Joaquín Pereyra to give Minnesota the lead.
“I train for these moments,” the 34-year-old told Apple TV. “I always give everything I have. When you get these minutes, you have to be ready and help the team.”
Both assists bore the hallmark of the former Real Madrid star: a precise cross to the far post followed by a perfectly weighted low pass that left Pereyra one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
Multiple reports, including one from the league’s Spanish-language portal, suggest Rodríguez will leave Minnesota United after Wednesday’s match against Colorado Rapids at Allianz Field. The midfielder neither confirmed nor denied the speculation but stated he will report to Colombia’s national team camp on May 17 and has no plans to retire.
“I think the media should report more accurately. Only I know how long I want to keep playing, and when the time comes, I’ll say it. I have a couple more years left,” Rodríguez asserted, taking a swipe at the press.
Since joining Minnesota, the Colombian international has made five appearances, registering his first two assists in Sunday’s game. Christian Ramírez, another Colombian, scored the equalizer for Austin in the 79th minute, canceling out Myrto Uzuni’s earlier penalty for the visitors.
The draw leaves Minnesota fifth in the Western Conference with 21 points, eight behind leaders San Jose Earthquakes. Austin sits 10th with 18 points after 12 matches.