Lionel Messi Pleads For Emiliano Sala Rescue Efforts To Continue

Lionel Messi has issued a call with world football to continue search efforts for missing Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson after the aircraft carrying them went missing across the English Channel on Monday.

The light-aircraft, which was scheduled to land in the UK on Monday night, lost contact with air traffic control on its way from Nantes on the west coast of France.

Guernsey Police called-off the search for the missing plane on Thursday, after spending three-days in challenging conditions attempting to locate the pair.

But fellow Argentine Messi and other high-profile footballers have called upon the rescue team to carry on the search.

"While there is possibility, even a shred of hope, we ask don't stop searching," he said on Instagram.

"All my strength and support to his family and friends."

On social media, #NoDejenDeBuscar - translated to 'do not stop searching' - is gaining traction, with other footballers such as Sergio Aguero, Radamel Falcao and Gonzalo Higuain spreading the message.

Sala's sister Romina has also taken to the social media platform to voice her plea for the rescue efforts to restart.

Over 1,700 square miles of land and sea has been covered by Guernsey's rescue team, but the call was given to end the search due to the time it had been since the PA-46 Malibu disappeared.

Sala's former club FC Nantes also issued an appeal.

Tributes have been laid by fans as a mark of respect towards the pair at Cardiff, Nantes and San Martin de Progreso in Argentina.

The Premier League announced there will be silences across grounds to reflect on the incident when the fixtures start again next week.

Words by Kane Allen