Eric Garcia talks Lamine, Messi, Joan Garcia, Szczesny, Champions League, Ballon d’Or: ‘He deserves it’

Eric Garcia talks Lamine, Messi, Joan Garcia, Szczesny, Champions League, Ballon d’Or: ‘He deserves it’ FC Barcelona defender Eric Garcia visited his hometown of Martorell today where he was honoured by the local council following his 2026 FIFA World Cup triump with the Spanish national team. Following the event, the versatile defender spoke to the media briefly, addressing several matters linked with the Blaugrana . Kicking things off though, Garcia thanked the local council for the recognition and, above all, the residents who came out to support him. “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,” he said, as quoted by SPORT . García was one of eight Barcelona players to win the World Cup with Spain this summer. His role during the tournament was more limited, with just one appearance in eight matches. However, that appearance came in the biggest game of all: the final. “For me, it’s a privilege to be here this afternoon. The most important thing, and the reason I’m here, is this World Cup that I was able to lift this summer with my teammates,” he added. The defender also used the occasion to encourage the young footballers in attendance. “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.” A message for Barcelona and a nod to the Champions League Eric targets UCL glory with Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) The celebrations continued beyond the official ceremony. After visiting Martorell Town Hall, Garcia travelled to another part of the town to open two new Cruyff Courts, part of an initiative aimed at bringing sport and football closer to local children. Seeing the large number of Barça shirts among the crowd, Garcia looked ahead to the new season. “I can see lots of Barça shirts… Hopefully next season we can meet here again to celebrate lots of trophies and the Champions League,” he stated, underlining the team’s ambitions to win the European trophy. Speaking to the media, he explained the importance of Europe’s biggest club competition for Barcelona. “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. I think this year, with the team we have, if we continue like this, we can fight for it.” Garcia backs Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or The Ballon d’Or was another major topic surrounding Barcelona, and Garcia was clear about who he believes deserves the award. The defender backed his teammate Lamine Yamal, pointing to the teenager’s performances despite his age. “Lamine deserves it. Obviously, I think we all say it because we genuinely feel it and because he shows it in every match,” he stated. Ballon d’Or contender. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Garcia went further, comparing the experience of watching Yamal develop with his memories of watching Lionel Messi. “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.” Garcia confident in Szczesny The Barcelona defender was also asked about Joan Garca’s injury after the goalkeeper was forced off against Racing and whether the squad still trusts Wojciech Szczesny following his costly mistake. Garcia offered his full support to both goalkeepers. “Hopefully it’s nothing serious and, hopefully, he can return in the shortest possible time,” he said. “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,” the World Cup winner added. “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. We’re calm knowing that Tek is Joan’s backup.”