Following Messi is Lee Kang-in! His passing ability has been recognized as 'world-class,' ranking 7th overall in the world for pass completion under pressure at the World Cup.

*This content was translated by AI.

Although the South Korean national football team was eliminated early from the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Central America and the Caribbean, Lee Kang-in (25, Paris Saint-Germain) has been recognized for his 'world-class' passing ability.

According to a top-50 list released by Gradient Sports, a sports statistics specialist, on the 18th (Korea time), which evaluated players' pass completion rates under pressure, Lee Kang-in ranked seventh overall.

Among the top 10, four players were from Spain and one from Argentina, both of whom are set to face each other in the World Cup final. Additionally, three players represented Portugal, one from Belgium, and Lee Kang-in was the only Asian player to make the list.

The media analyzed and evaluated passes attempted by players under pressure during the World Cup. This included direct pressing on the player as well as passing lane pressure. Only situations where defenders showed strong intent to press were counted as high-pressure scenarios, not merely close proximity.

Lee Kang-in scored 92.7 points to secure a firm spot at seventh place. Argentina's Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) ranked sixth with a score of 92.8, just 0.1 point higher than Lee Kang-in.

The top spot went to Belgium's Leandro Trossard (Arsenal), who scored 96.5 points. He was followed by Spain's Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona), Portugal's Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Spain's Dani Olmo (Barcelona), and Rodri (Manchester City).

Following Messi at sixth and Lee Kang-in at seventh, the top 10 included Portugal's Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain/PSG), Spain's Alex Baena (Atlético Madrid), and Portugal's João Neves (PSG).

Only two Asian players made the top 50: Lee Kang-in and Hwang In-beom, who ranked 25th (Feyenoord). Coincidentally, both were recognized as players who stood out despite South Korea's early exit from this World Cup. As of this summer transfer window, Lee Kang-in is reportedly close to a move to Atlético Madrid, while Hwang In-beom is nearing a transfer to FC Porto.

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*This content was translated by AI.