Papiss Cisse: Ben Arfa is Newcastle's Messi

Newcastle United's new frontman Papiss Cisse has likened his teammate Hatem Ben Arfa to three-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi.

The French midfielder scored and set up two goals for the £9m man in the Magpies' 3-1 win over West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

"He is a a great player with a great range of skills," said the Senegal international. "Sometimes with the ball at his feet, he is like Lionel Messi. The ball really sticks to his feet.

"I really like that kind of player. He is the kind of player who can make the difference and that is really good for us."

The 25-year-old moved to Newcastle from French side Marseille.