Lionel Messi's incredible record in 2012

Barcelona, Dec 12: Lionel Messi broke Gerd Muller's 40-year goal-scoring record after netting his 86th goal of 2012 in 2-1 win at Real Betis. Here are some of Messi's record-breaking statistics.

Is Lionel Messi the greatest ever football player?

• Messi has scored 86 goals in a calendar year, more than any other player.

• He also has the highest number of goals scored in a season - 68.

• Messi has scored 50 goals in a La Liga season, the highest by any player.

• The 25-year-old Argentine has scored 8 hat-tricks in a season, more than any other player.

• Only player to win the FIFA Ballon d'Or thrice in a row and is favourite to win the award next month.

• Messi became the only player to clinch European top scorer four years in a row.

• Messi is a joint-top scorer in the FIFA Club World Cup.

• Messi is the only player to have scored five goals in a UEFA Champions League match.

• Messi holds the record for the highest number of goals in EL Clasico matches.

• Messi has scored the fastest and highest number of hat-tricks.

• Messi has scored a total of 91 goals in 2012, including five in friendlies.

• Messi has scored most goals as Barca player in La Liga, 192, beating Cesar Rodriguez's 190.

• Messi has 1 goal in every 63 minutes he has played. 86 goals in 5405 minutes in 2012.

• Messi has not yet scored in the 1st, 2nd, 10th, 14th 15th, 46th and 69th minutes in 2012.

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