Messi's joy at discovery of Argentine activist's lost grandson

Lionel Messi has aired his joy over the news that Estela de Carlotto, the president of the Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo (an organisation dedicated to tracking down children stolen during the Argentinian Dirty War), has located her long-lost grandson. "I'm happy and excited about the appearance of Estela de Carlotto's grandson. The struggle must continue: there are many more still to be found! You have our full support", the Barca star posted on Facebook.

On Tuesday it was announced that DNA tests had shown that 36-year-old Ignacio Hurban was in fact the grandson of the Argentinian human rights activist, who had been searching for her daughter's missing son Guido since he was snatched away shortly after being born.

Javier Mascherano also hailed the recovery of the young man's identity. He tweeted a picture of himself and several other 'Albiceleste' players alongside the Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo, together with the following message: "This photo was taken two months ago. I'm happy that Estela de Carlotto's grandson has been found. Now for the ones who are still missing". The midfielder and his international teammates recently starred in an advertising campaign for the organisation with the slogan "We've been looking for you for ten World Cups".

Sergio Agüero called it a "very special day to remember", while Ezequiel Lavezzi congratulated Estela de Carlotto, praising the example of "perseverance and love" she has set and wishing luck to all those still looking for lost loved ones.