Eric Garcia backs Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or: ‘I saw Messi, now I see him’

Eric Garcia has said Barcelona team-mate Lamine Yamal deserves to win the Ballon d’Or, comparing the teenager’s influence to that of Lionel Messi.

Garcia made the comments during a ceremony in his home town of Martorell, where he was honoured by the local council for his career and achievements with the Spain national team. The 25-year-old was presented with a commemorative medal at the town hall before addressing supporters from the building’s balcony.

Despite the occasion being centred on his own recognition, Garcia’s strongest messages were focused on Barcelona and Yamal.

Looking ahead to next season, the defender said winning the Champions League was the club’s overriding ambition.

“I can see many Barcelona shirts here,” Garcia told the crowd. “I hope we can meet again next season to celebrate many trophies and, of course, the Champions League. It is everyone’s greatest objective and everyone’s dream.”

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Garcia was then asked about the Ballon d’Or and Yamal’s candidacy. He offered an emphatic endorsement of his young team-mate.

“He deserves the Ballon d’Or. We all say that because we feel it,” Garcia said. “What he is doing is incredible. I saw Messi and now I see him. At his age, and with the impact he has on the pitch, he has unbelievable talent.”

Garcia also made a light-hearted reference to his Spain team-mates, acknowledging that Yamal faces competition from other leading players.

“But I do not want to forget my other team-mates either, such as Rodri, who has already won it,” he added.

The defender’s eventful day concluded with the opening of two pitches named after Johan Cruyff at Park de la Vila.

Garcia also discussed Barcelona’s goalkeeping options, praising both Wojciech Szczesny and Juan. He recognised the difficulty Szczesny faces while serving as a substitute, while describing Juan as the finest goalkeeper in the world.

“Szczesny is a player with a great deal of experience, and it is clearly not easy to be a substitute,” Garcia said. “As for Juan, he is the best goalkeeper in the world.”