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