BARCELONA SUPERSTAR LIONEL Messi set a new record for goals in a calendar year when he reached 86 for 2012 tonight.
Messi had equalled German legend Gerd Mueller’s mark of 85 goals from 1972 when he slotted the ball home in the 16th minute of La Liga clash at Real Betis from a pass by Adriano.
The 25-year-old then added a second in the 25th minute from an Andres Iniesta backheel nine minutes later to claim the record.
Messi has made a habit of shattering records in his career.
Last season, he became the most successful goal scorer in the history of the La Liga by hitting 50 goals in the league campaign.
He is already the club’s greatest scorer having gone past the record held by Cesar Rodriguez set in the 1940s and 1950s.
Messi last season equalled the record for goals scored in a Champions League season when he hit 14.
His latest feat means he will be the overwhelming favourite to once again claim the Ballon d’Or where he faces competition from Iniesta and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi would be the first player to win the award four times.
Watch his 86th goal below:
YouTube credit: solaveimobilecell
There’s a few good Irish coaches making a break through in the English divisions. It’s great to see that some clubs will take off the blinkers and entertain those who offer more than celebrity status. Hard work never did anyone any harm and if the coach is a grafter, then it is usually easily passed down to their players.
Only read the headline but we must be the first country to appoint a reading manager surely are we? Great idea I think, because if lads can’t read what’s been written about them in the papers or comments section on here, how will they ever improve?