Messi breaks Muller's goal-scoring record

Argentine footballer Lionel Messi made history Monday as he set a new record for the number of goals scored in a calendar year as he netted twice in his side's 2-1 away win to Betis.

Lionel Messi

Messi's goal in the 15th minute of the game leveled the record of 85 goals in a year set by German striker Gerd Muller in 1972 and his second strike 10 minutes later took him onto 86 goals in all competitions for 2012.

The Argentinian's first goal came following a typical run past a host of Betis defenders followed by a left foot shot into the bottom corner of the Betis net.

The second, and record breaking strike, arrived after good work from Andres Iniesta left the Barca forward with space to sent another shot past Betis keeper Adrian San Miguel.

It's hard to think that the day had begun with doubts as Barca prepared to play in a ground where Real Madrid has lost a fortnight ago.

The first doubt was answered around 45 minutes before kick off when Messi was included in the Barca starting line up just four days after collapsing on the pitch of the Camp Nou Stadium holding his knee in agony.

The Argentinean completed a training session on Saturday and was included alongside Iniesta and Pedro Rodriguez in the Barca attack. (Xinhua) nepalnews.com