Lee Kang-in (PSG), who is growing as the core of Klinsmann's attack, was evaluated as the same as Lionel Messi.


Lee Kang-in started in the first round of the second qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA North-China World Cup Asia held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 16th and led the Republic of Korea to victory. South Korea defeated Singapore 5-0.


With this, South Korea finished first in Group C in the second qualifying round, starting their journey to the World Cup finals for the 11th consecutive time. Now, Korea will move to Shenzhen, China, and play the second game against China on the 21st.


Korea, ranked 24th in the FIFA rankings, has easily caught Singapore (155th) in 33 years since the 7-0 victory in 1990. At the same time, he had 15 undefeated matches (14 wins and 1 draw). There were also goal cancellations and net misfortunes due to misjudgment, but they won a great victory with Cho Kyu-sung's first goal at the end of the first half and Hwang Hee-chan, Son Heung-min, Hwang Ui-jo, and Lee Kang-in's shower goal in the second half.


Lee Kang-in played full-time and scored one goal and one assist. He lost one goal under false accusations.


South Korea (24th) shook the net relatively early in the day against underdog Singapore, which ranks 155th in FIFA rankings. Lee Kang-in served as a starting point.


In the 22nd minute of the first half, he cooked his opponent near the right box corner of Singapore and crossed when he saw Cho Kyu-sung (Mit Whelan) on the other side. Later, Lee Jae-sung (Mainz) received Cho Kyu-sung's short header pass and shook Singapore's net with a right-footed shot. The crowd erupted in cheers.


However, it was not recognized as a goal. The offside flag went up. When Lee Kang-in put the ball up to Cho Kyu-sung, Cho Kyu-sung's position was offside. 스포츠토토


However, as a result of examining the scene through a replay, Cho Kyu-sung's body was behind the Singaporean player. Not offside. However, there is no VAR in the game. South Korea lost a valuable goal.

However, Lee Kang-in did not falter. Cho Kyu-sung and clambered a goal. They combined to score in the 44th minute of the first half. He cut into Singapore's net to score again as he tried to get the chance route when the goal was stolen. Lee Jae-sung was not involved this time. Lee Kang-in floated the ball to Cho Kyu-sung, who was far on the left near the corner of the right box in Singapore. Cho Kyu-sung's header goal came out as it was.


Lee Kang-in also tasted the goal himself. In the 40th minute of the second half, when his team was leading 4-0, he was positioned alone on the left side outside the box. When the ball flowed to him, he immediately cut Singapore's net with a left-footed cannonball shot.


In addition, Lee Kang-in shook the right side when Son Heung-min scored his team's third goal in the 18th minute of the second half.


Lee Kang-in, who is currently playing the role of both an assistant and a goal scorer in the national team. His goal on the day is his third consecutive A-match goal. He, who was suitable for creating opportunities rather than playing the closing role as an attacking midfielder, is now enjoying a lot of goals.


"Lee Kang-in's talent is really, really, crazy, so we need to prevent Kang-in's play from being as enjoyable as it is now and such a talented player from spoiling due to too much pressure," said Cleansman-ho captain Son Heung-min (Tottenham). I also want to help Kang-in a lot next to him, and I don't know what Kang-in thinks of me, but I hope he can accept it well and grow into a better player," he said, expressing great expectations.


League 1, where Lee Kang-in is active, also praised him.


League 1 posted Lee Kang-in's performance against Singapore on its official channel, saying, "Lee Kang-in is back." "This man is a real talent," he praised. "Lee Kang-in exploded with goals and assists not only at PSG but also at the national team," he said.


RMC Sports also reported on the same day, "Lee Kang-in presented Korea with victory with shooting and laser passes." "The driving force behind South Korea's great victory over Singapore was Lee Kang-in. "Lee Kang-in led the first goal with a great pass to Cho Kyu-sung, as South Korea failed to score even after attacking in the first half," he said.


"Lee Kang-in suffered from injuries at the beginning of the season, but he is providing Luis Enrique with a variety of options based on his left foot, agility and shooting ability. "Coach Enrique uses Lee Kang-in in various positions," he explained. "I am emerging as the most notable player in Parc des Princes (PSG home stadium) with good performances in every game," he said.


RM Sports said, "Lee Kang-in will show off his ability again against AS Monaco."


Spanish media As also praised Lee Kang-in's performance. The media said, "Lee Kang-in made an assist with a pass like Lionel Messi. "I showed a play that my colleague Kylian Mbappe would like," he said.

In particular, Lee Kang-in is highly evaluated within PSG. Campos, a strategic adviser to PSG, recently gave a lecture at Sorbonne University in Paris, France.


Campos gave a direct lecture on the soccer transfer market in front of more than 200 economics students at Sorbonne University. He also mentioned Lee Kang-in, who was recruited by PSG in this transfer market, during the lecture. Campos said, "I worked hard to recruit Lee Kang-in. "The finance part told me that I should not exceed a certain amount (to recruit Lee Kang-in)," he said.


"From a football point of view, I really like Lee Kang-in. He fits the player Luis Enrique wanted. But (Lee Kang-in's recruitment) "I didn't think it would affect Asian marketing," he confessed.


Regarding his impressions of scoring goals in three consecutive A matches, Lee Kang-in said, "Of course, I'm happy to score an offensive point," adding, "But winning the team takes precedence over that." I always focus on that part," he said.


Lee Kang-in said, "If that was the case, shouldn't we have scored three goals today?" and appealed that he was not the main scorer, lowering his posture, saying, "Winning is more important than goals and assists."


He also replied, "The next call-up is the Asian Cup, and if you are elected, it will be helpful."

Coach Klinsmann also did not forget to praise Lee Kang-in.


"It's going to be quite important," Klinsmann said after the game. You need a creative player when you face a team that goes down defensively like today. We need players who can penetrate the box, players who can score points, and players who can do aggressively one-on-one. "Lee Kang-in has played such a role and I think he will do it in the future," he said, expressing satisfaction with Lee Kang-in's role and skills.