Barcelona's Lionel Messi modest despite creating new record

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has played down his achievement of scoring the most number of goals in a calendar year.

The 25-year-old found the target twice in the Blaugrana's 2-1 away victory over Real Betis in La Liga on Sunday to take his tally to a record-breaking 86 goals in 2012.

"I always say the same, it's nice for what it means but the victory is more important as it maintains our lead over the other teams," he told Spanish TV station Canal Plus.

"My goal when the year began was to try to achieve everything again, with the team, in the league, the Cup (Copa del Rey), the Champions League. I always start with that idea in mind."

Messi broke Gerd Muller's record of 85 goals, set in 1972.