Madrid, Spain

Lionel Messi scored all of Barcelona's goals in a 2-1 win over Real Betis to break the 40-year record for most goals scored in a calendar year.

The two goals were Messi's 85th and 86th of the year, eclipsing German legend Gerd Mueller's record for the most goals in a calendar year.

With his record-breaking performance this year, Messi is in line to win a record fourth consecutive Ballon d'Or award.

"Messi will be the player to win the most Ballons d'Or in history," said Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff. "He will win five, six, seven. He is incomparable. He's in a different league."

If ever he wins the Ballon d'Or this year, Messi will surpass the record set by Michel Platini, who won the award for three straight years.

In his career, Mess has won three Champions League winners' medals and five La Liga crowns to his name.

He has also won the FIFA Club World Cup twice and is Barcelona's leading scorer with 283 goals in all competitions.

Despite his achievements, Messi has something missing in his resume - an international title with Argentina.

Messi had 31 goals in 76 games for Argentina and failed to prevent his country from crashing out in the quarterfinals at both the 2010 World Cup and last year's Copa America in his homeland.

"I still have this dream and that is to be a world champion and lift the Copa America with the national side," Messi said. "And I know I'll do it, I'm convinced I will."

Outside the soccer pitch, Messi is also a famous ambassador for the sport. He was named one of Time magazine's people of 2011 and is also a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.

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