Lionel Messi breaks goal record to give Barcelona victory

Record-breaking Lionel Messi has scored twice to give Barcelona a narrow 2-1 victory 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.

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Messi's first of the night 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.

The home side nearly drew themselves level before the hour in bizarre circumstances, but Valdes was able to make amends after he dropped the ball under his own crossbar.

Betis then hit the woodwork twice as Benat and Alejandro Pozuelo were both denied by the frame of the goal.

Barca struck the crossbar in the final minutes through Jordi Alba as they were able to hang on for the three points.