"What is that on your head, Kang-in?" Mexican coach 'surprise shot'... showing 'true love' in the 'battlefield' World Cup finals [World Cup]

*This content was translated by AI.

This is true love. Javier Aguirre, the head coach of the Mexico national team, made a mischievous joke toward his former student Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) during the match, displaying special affection.

On the 19th at 10 a.m. (Korea time), Mexico defeated South Korea 1-0 in the second match of Group A of the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup qualifiers, held at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Guadalajara, Mexico.

With this result, Mexico has secured a spot in the Round of 32 as the top team in the group regardless of the outcome of remaining matches, while South Korea will secure second place with at least a draw in their final match against South Africa.

In this matchup, which was effectively a decisive battle for the top spot in the group, the bond between the teacher and student who met as opponents shone. Lee Kang-in and Coach Aguirre, who formed a teacher-student bond during their time at Mallorca, showed unwavering trust and closeness despite reuniting as rivals on the grand stage of the World Cup.

At the post-match official press conference, Coach Aguirre smiled and shared an anecdote when asked by reporters about what conversation he had with Lee Kang-in near the touchline immediately after the match against South Korea ended.

Coach Aguirre stated, "After the match, Lee Kang-in approached me and asked what was different about Mexico's tactics compared to the South Africa match. He also asked what I thought about the upcoming match between South Korea and South Africa."

However, Coach Aguirre wittily replied, "I cannot tell all my tactical secrets to my friend."

Furthermore, Coach Aguirre did not hide his deep affection for Lee Kang-in. He said, "Regarding Lee Kang-in, I love him like family and have cared for him for a long time," and praised him as "a very lovely friend whom I raised as if he were my own child at home."

Coach Aguirre also unleashed his signature mischievous humor toward his student they had not seen in a long time. He said, "He came up to me at the stadium, and in my excitement, I joked that I wanted to give him a good slap. Then I asked him what his hairstyle was, saying he had put in a very impressive bridge." This made the press conference room fill with laughter.

Lee Kang-in also met with reporters in the mixed zone and spoke about his encounter with Coach Aguirre.

Regarding being spotted talking with Coach Aguirre near the Mexico bench while playing a touchline play during the match, Lee Kang-in said, "It was just a joke." He added, "We always joke with the coach, so there was nothing special beyond that," confirming the strong trust between the teacher and student.

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*This content was translated by AI.