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Lionel Messi breaks single-year goal scoring record

Lionel Messi scored his record-breaking 86th goal of 2012 Sunday. (Jorge Guerrero, Getty Images)

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has scored more goals in a calendar than anyone in history, ever.

The Argentinian striker scored his 85th and 86th goals of 2012 on Sunday in Barcelona's game against Real Betis, tying and then breaking the record set by German forward Gerd Müller for goals scored in a year in club and international play. The record-breaker came in typically stylish fashion, with midfielder Andres Iniesta supplying Messi with a clever back-heel pass at the top of the box. Messi's shot made its way through a crowd of Betis defenders, past the goalkeeper, and into the back of the net.

Fourteen of Messi's goals came with the Argentinian National Team, while the remaining 82 came with Barcelona. Messi already has 29 goals this season for his club in 24 games.

https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/277872094879031296

https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/277872775866241024