Lionel Messi Joins Pleas To Resume Search For Missing Player Emiliano Sala

Lionel Messi and has added to the growing calls for the search for Emiliano Sala to be resumed, with the family of the missing Cardiff City striker hiring a private company to continue looking for the footballer.

Guernsey Police called off the search for Sala and pilot David Ibbotson on Thursday after three days of searching for a plane that went missing over the English Channel on Monday, with an extensive operation having covered approximately 1,700 square miles.

Sala’s sister Romina and father Horacio both expressed their shock and dismay at the decision, although a statement from harbourmaster captain David Barker released via Guernsey Police gave a detailed explanation.

“We reviewed all the information available to us, as well as knowing what emergency equipment was on board, and have taken the difficult decision to end the search,” he said. “The chances of survival at this stage are extremely remote.”

The #NoDejenDeBuscar (#DontStopSearching) hashtag has been used by a wide range of football figures to urge authorities to reconsider their decision to stop the search for Sala and his family are planning to launch their own operation.

“If the authorisation of the British police is obtained this afternoon, the search for Emiliano with a private rescue company will be resumed,” family friend Martin Molteni said to La Nacion on Friday. 

“We still do not know where the investigation of this fact is going to be carried out.”

 Calls for the authorities to rethink their decision to halt the search for Argentinian forward Sala have grown, with Messi among the football stars to show their support for the campaign.

“While there are possibilities, a minimum hope, we ask that please #NoDejenDeBuscar,” Messi posted on his Instagram story. “Emiliano. All my strength and support to the family and friends.”