Lionel Messi has broken the record for most goals scored in a calendar year with a brace that has given Barcelona a 2-1 half-time lead at Real Betis in tonight's La Liga encounter.

The Argentine has now hit the net 86 times for club and country in the past 12 months, overtaking Gerd Muller's previous tally of 85.

Messi's first goal came after 16 minutes as he drove into the penalty area before firing low past Adrian.

The 25-year-old then surpassed Muller when he fired in following Andres Iniesta's clever assist.

However, Ruben Castro was allowed to advance before converting past Victor Valdes on 39 minutes to give Betis a lifeline going into the second half.