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Messi is one short of Gerd Müller's record of 85 goals scored in a calendar year.
1972
The record has stood for 40 years.
9
Number of hat-tricks scored in
2012 by Messi – seven for Barcelona and two for Argentina.
84
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Benitez: We're in the driving seat
Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez hailed a "massive" victory after his side tightened their grip on a Champions League place with a narrow win at Manchester United.
Scoreboard: Messi bags brace off bench to beat Betis
Lionel Messi came off the bench to score twice and help Barcelona to a 4-2 win at home to Real Betis that moved them to within striking distance of the La Liga title.
Villas-Boas expects funds in summer
Andre Villas-Boas has been assured that he will have money to spend this summer - even if Tottenham do not qualify for the Champions League.
Brilliant Bayern humiliate Barcelona and book place in all German final
Ronaldo insists he’ll stay on at Real despite third Champions League failure
Villas-Boas: Champions League spot to ensure Bale stays at Spurs
Jose Mourinho: It will be very difficult for us to reach Champions League final
Europe's top clubs on high alert as four goal Dortmund hero Lewandowski stalls on new contract
Philipp Lahm: Job against Barcelona is only half done
Top Stories
Benitez: We're in the driving seat
Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez hailed a "massive" victory after his side tightened their grip on a Champions League place with a narrow win at Manchester United.
Scoreboard: Messi bags brace off bench to beat Betis
Lionel Messi came off the bench to score twice and help Barcelona to a 4-2 win at home to Real Betis that moved them to within striking distance of the La Liga title.
Villas-Boas expects funds in summer
Andre Villas-Boas has been assured that he will have money to spend this summer - even if Tottenham do not qualify for the Champions League.
Celebrity News
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Frankie admits worries over stag do
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Brangelina agree sex scene ban
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Bieber makes guests sign waiver?
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Hollywood practices random acts of red-carpet kindness
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Lewis, Cumberbatch get Critics nods
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Gosling gore film booed at Cannes
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Sheridan: Brand is just a mate
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Madonna: Elton and I have made up
Madonna has confirmed that her feud with Elton John is over, after he took her out for dinner.
Bad Teacher graduates to TV show
Bad Teacher, which starred Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake, is being turned into a TV series.
