Eric Garcia Talks Lamine Yamal, Messi, Joan Garcia, Szczesny and Champions League: “He Deserves It”
Barcelona defender Eric García returned to his hometown of Martorell on Thursday, where he was honoured by the local council following Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph.
García was part of the Spain squad that lifted the trophy this summer and was one of eight Barcelona players to become world champions.
Although his involvement during the tournament was limited to one appearance, it came in the biggest match of all—the World Cup final.
Speaking after the ceremony, García thanked the local authorities and the people of Martorell for the warm reception.
“I’d like to thank the Council for this honour and all of you for being here on such a special day in my town, Martorell, the place that has watched me grow up since I was very young.”
The Barcelona defender also had a message for the young footballers who attended the event, encouraging them to continue working towards their ambitions.
“I can see lots of children here who I’m sure dream of playing football, just as I did. Keep working, because sometimes dreams do come true.”
Garcia Sets His Sights on Champions League Glory
García’s visit to Martorell continued beyond the official ceremony, with the defender helping open two new Cruyff Courts designed to bring football and sport closer to local children.
With numerous Barcelona shirts visible among the crowd, the defender looked ahead to the new season and Barcelona’s ambitions.
“I can see lots of Barça shirts… Hopefully next season we can meet here again to celebrate lots of trophies and the Champions League.”
García made it clear that winning the Champions League remains one of Barcelona’s biggest objectives.
“I think it’s everyone’s main objective. We’ve done things well over the last two years, but for different reasons we’ve been knocked out.”
He added that Barcelona believe they have the quality to challenge for European glory again.
“I think this year, with the team we have, if we continue like this, we can fight for it.”
Eric Garcia Backs Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or
The Ballon d’Or was another major topic during García’s media appearance, with the Barcelona defender throwing his support behind teammate Lamine Yamal.
García believes Yamal’s performances have already placed him among the very best players in world football, despite his young age.
“Lamine deserves it. Obviously, I think we all say it because we genuinely feel it and because he shows it in every match.”
García also drew a striking comparison between watching Yamal develop and his own memories of Lionel Messi’s early years at Barcelona.
“At the age he is and with the things he does… I saw Messi and now I see him. So for me, obviously, he deserves the Ballon d’Or.”
The comments underline the level of belief Yamal currently enjoys inside the Barcelona dressing room.
Garcia Backs Szczesny After Joan’s Injury
García was also asked about Joan García’s recent knee injury and the pressure now facing Wojciech Szczęsny.
Joan was forced off against Racing Santander and is expected to spend around three weeks on the sidelines, leaving Szczęsny and summer signing Dominik Livaković competing for the starting position.
García expressed his hope that Joan will recover quickly while insisting that Barcelona remain confident in Szczęsny.
“Hopefully it’s nothing serious and, hopefully, he can return in the shortest possible time.”
The defender also highlighted the experience Szczęsny brings to the squad.
“Szczesny is someone with a lot of experience in football who has helped us a lot since he arrived. Being Joan’s back-up goalkeeper isn’t easy.”
García then offered an emphatic assessment of Joan’s quality.
“For me, Joan is the best goalkeeper in the world. We all have confidence in him. I think that in the season he played, he performed at a very good level.”
He concluded by making it clear that Barcelona feel comfortable with Szczęsny stepping in during Joan’s absence.
“We’re calm knowing that Tek is Joan’s backup.”