Comedian Russell Brand jokes about kidnapping Barcelona star Lionel Messi

British comedian Russell Brand has joked about trying to kidnap Barcelona star Lionel Messi after discovering that he was staying in the same hotel as the Spanish giants.

The 38-year-old realised that Barcelona were staying in the Lowry Hotel in Salford ahead of their 2-0 win over Manchester City in the Champions League last night.

Brand, who is a lifelong West Ham United fan, was also in Manchester to perform at the O2 Apollo as part of his 'Messiah Complex' tour.

The comedian wrote on Twitter: "HOLY FUCK Lionel Messi is in the same hotel as me. Time for a dribbling competition. #inhiscornflakes. Stalking Lionel Messi. Going to pop him in my pocket and take him to Upton Park. #hisnamewillmatchhisbedsheets."

Brand also posted a photo of himself outside a locked hotel room, with the message: "I'm going in. Messi must be trapped."

I'm going in. Messi must be trapped. pic.twitter.com/AW8tIskZgm

— Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) February 17, 2014