Getty Images SportSpanish content creator Ines Garcia, girlfriend of Barcelona jewel Lamine Yamal, has broken her silence after a wave of criticism and abuse on social media.
Garcia caught the eye at the 2026 World Cup. She appeared on the pitch at the MetLife Stadium with Yamal as Spain's senior side celebrated their coveted title.
Spain were crowned 2026 World Cup champions after beating Argentina 1-0 in the final.
Getty Images SportA series of images and videos have since done the rounds, showing the Spanish national football team celebrating their 2026 World Cup triumph.
Those clips sparked plenty of chatter about the lack of interaction between Spanish gem Lamine Yamal and his girlfriend Inés García. Many read it as a sign that their relationship was nearing its end.
It did not end there. García faced violent abuse and a sweeping campaign of criticism described as "hateful".
Getty Images SportInes Garcia, the girlfriend of Spanish gem Lamine Yamal, has hit back with a lengthy statement, reported by newspaper "Marca", after enduring a wave of criticism and abuse over the past hours.
"I have been reading the comments about me for hours, and despite trying to appear strong, I am also a human being. I feel and I cry," Ines said.
She stressed that a person does not stop being human simply because they are in a romantic relationship.
"I understand constructive criticism, but there is a difference between that and insult and humiliation, as well as wishing personal harm," Yamal's girlfriend added.
Getty Images NewsSpanish content creator Ines Garcia went on to insist she had never hurt Lamine Yamal, the jewel of Catalan giants Barcelona, or anyone else in her life.
"I have not taken anything from anyone. I am simply living my own life," Garcia said in her statement.
Yamal's friend called on social media users to show empathy and humanity, pointing out that her family and friends feel "worried" about her.
"I am like anyone else in life. I have good days and I have difficult ones," she added.
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Getty Images SportInes Garcia, the girlfriend of Spanish gem Lamine Yamal, has voiced a hope: that the internet will one day stop celebrating cruelty.
Her only goal, she says, is to live a simple life and share it without offence or any intention to cause harm.
Garcia signed off with a plea: "We are all trying to live our lives in the best way possible. I hope we always choose empathy instead of hatred."
