But we looked at the facts and figures of both players - Ben Arfa is three months OLDER than Messi - but the Frenchman's career total of 25 goals is a lot less than Messi's 230.
Messi, known for his delicate chip over diving goalkeepers, would probably have scored against Anzhi Makhachkal when one-on-one with the keeper.
Ben Arfa tried it, but passed up a golden opportunity to celebrate his 26th birthday in style as Newcastle claimed a hard-fought Europa League draw in Moscow on Thursday.
The Frenchman, making his first appearance since tearing a hamstring at Fulham on December 10, was played in on goal by compatriot Yohan Cabaye with 64 minutes gone, but could not beat goalkeeper Vladimir Gabulov with an ambitious chipped effort.
He's still a long way off the Barcelona star, although we won't tell him that.