Create a message similar to p:messages using PrimeFaces without adding to FacesContext?

I am using Primefaces 2.3.0 and JSF2.0.

I like the html output that Primefaces p:messages gives me. But I due to existing design, I would like to create the html without needing the to add the messages using FacesContext.getCurrentInstance().addMessage.

Essentially, I would like to do something like this:

<p:messages value="test"/>

I realize probably would not use p:messages but an existing tags that just outputs something very similar to what p:messages outputs.

I am hoping there is maybe another component that p:messages is using.

Thanks for any ideas.