The national football team's World Cup journey has come to an unfortunate end, but Lee Kang-in has been recognized for his outstanding performance, becoming the only player from an eliminated team to be named to the group stage Best 11.

Marca, a prominent Spanish media outlet, included Lee Kang-in as an attacking midfielder in its selection for the group stage Best 11.

Lee, who was named alongside global superstars such as Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, is the only player from a team eliminated in the group stage, as well as the only player from an Asian nation, to make the list.

Throughout the tournament, Lee established himself as the core of the national team with his broad vision and exceptional passing ability. He also successfully completed 11 dribbles during the group stage, the second-highest among all participating players.

The outlet highly praised him, stating, "Lee Kang-in received the second-highest score among midfielders," and added, "It is a shame that he will not be able to add any more points."