'He's just an opponent': Lee Kang-in faces former coach in upcoming tilt against World Cup co-host 

In an intriguing subplot for Korea in their upcoming Group A match against Mexico at the FIFA World Cup 2026, midfielder Lee Kang-in will try to best his former club coach, Javier Aguirre, who is now leading Mexico's squad.

It was under Aguirre at Spanish outfit RCD Mallorca that Lee first demonstrated his playmaking chops during the 2022-23 La Liga season. He set career highs with six goals and seven assists, and parlayed that into a deal with French giant Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023.

Aguirre saw potential in Lee that the Korean's other coaches didn't always see. The Mexican tactician was once quoted as saying, "I believe that [Lee] is the most talented player on the squad, he's so lethal in one-on-one situations."

Now 25, Lee is widely considered one of Korea's most important players, a creative force who can thread the needle through tight gaps. In Korea's 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in their Group A opener on Thursday, Lee set up the team's equalizer by Hwang In-beom with a sharp through ball that punctured a hole on the opposing defense.

Korea, ranked No. 25 in the world, will need more of those moments against 14th-ranked Mexico when they square off at Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan, Mexico, at 7 p.m. Thursday. One of three co-hosts of the tournament, Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 to begin competition on Thursday.

Lee helped Korea nearly beat Mexico in their friendly match last September in Nashville, as he assisted on the go-ahead goal by Oh Hyeon-gyu. Korea conceded a late equalizer to settle for a 2-2 draw but Lee still left his mark on the match.

There will be far more at stake in the upcoming showdown than at last fall's matchup. With both teams having bagged a win, the victorious side will be in prime position to win Group A and progress to the knockout phase.

When asked about facing his former boss after the Czech Republic match, Lee said, "It's going to be special but it's not just because of coach Aguirre. We know how tough it will be to take on Mexico in Mexico in a World Cup match."

Then in a later session with writers, Lee was asked again about Aguirre.

"I don't have anything to say," Lee said, breaking into a grin. "He's just an opponent."

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Yonhap