Messi breaks Pele's scoring mark of goals in calendar year

PanARMENIAN.Net - Barcelona star Lionel Messi has broken former Brazil international Pele's scoring mark of 75 goals during one calendar year, according to Goal.com.

The Brazilian icon, who accomplished his feat in 1958, was in second place behind Gerd Muller, who scored a total of 85 goals for Bayern Munich and West Germany in just 60 games in 1972.

The 25-year-old Argentine is now only chasing down the legendary forward thanks to a double against Mallorca on Sunday that gives him 76 goals in 59 appearances.

His first came on the stroke of halftime in fortuitous style, squeezing a shot under Dudu Aouate to make it 2-0 to the Blaugrana. After the break, Barca faced a comeback effort from Mallorca, but Messi was there to make it 4-2 in fantastic fashion, combining well with Alexis, before scoring a stunning goal.

Barcelona has nine more appearances in 2012 during which Messi can catch or pass Muller's record. The three-time Ballon d'Or winner is in the running to land the prestigious award for a fourth consecutive year in January.