21 July,2026 08:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Lamine Yamal and Ines Garcia. Pic via Instagram
Spanish content creator and the girlfriend of Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, Ines Garcia, had been facing severe backlash online over the past few days. The criticism intensified after photos and videos from Spain's celebrations of the 2026 World Cup title circulated online, showing the player ignoring her. The clips led to rumours about the collapse of their relationship. Following the scrutiny, Ines has now posted a lengthy statement addressing the trolls and defending herself.
Taking to X, Ines wrote, "I never thought that sharing something so simple would turn into this. I've spent hours reading the comments and, although I'm trying to tough it out, I'm a person too. Behind this account is someone who feels, who cries, who makes mistakes, and who doesn't stop being human just because she's in a relationship."
She further added, "I understand that not everyone has to like everyone else. I understand criticism when it's respectful. But there's a huge difference between having an opinion and taking the time to humiliate, insult, or wish the worst on someone you don't even know."
The 21-year-old content creator further emphasised that she was not hurting anyone, nor had taken anything from anyone, and that she was just living her life. "I ask you, truly, before writing a comment, to think that on the other side of the screen there's a person who also has family, friends, insecurities, and feelings. You don't know how your words can affect them. I'm a woman with feelings, with a family that also reads those things, and with good days and bad days, like anyone," she added.
Ines also said that she does not wish to convince anyone to like her and that she was just asking for a little empathy and humanity, "because no one deserves to receive hundreds or thousands of hate messages."
She further wrote, "I hope that one day the internet stops feeling like a place where cruelty is celebrated. In the meantime, I'm going to keep trying to live my life with respect, and I hope that those who read this can do the same with others."
She concluded the note saying, "At the end of the day, we're all trying to live our lives the best we can. I hope we can always choose compassion over hate."
Ines Garcia was trolled online after reports of her previous relationship emerged online. Unverified claims on social media suggested that she had dumped her boyfriend of five years the moment Yamal showed interest in her. Many users also criticised her over her age gap with teh 19-year-old footballer.
The criticism heightened after a video featuring Lamine and Ines went viral on X, amassing more than 17.4 million views. Before Spain's win over Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, Ines had confidently backed her boyfriend and the national team, saying, "We're going to win the World Cup, he's the best."
However, moments after the final whistle, an interaction between the couple caught the attention of social media users. Ines was seen speaking to Yamal, who appeared to be busy on his phone and seemingly ignored her before placing his phone in the bag she is holding and walking away.
