The 25-year-old forward took his tally for 2012 to 76 goals as he surpassed the previous record of 75 set by Brazil legend Pele.

Messi, who has netted 64 times for the Blaugrana and 12 for Argentina this year, is also leading the La Liga goalscoring charts in 2012/13 with 15 strikes from 11 appearances.

Barca coach Tito Vilanova hailed the superstar's most recent achievement, admitting it takes someone special to accomplish what the Argentina international has managed.

"Leo continually breaks records. His goal tally is spectacular," said Vilanova.

"It takes other great players seven or eight seasons to score the amount of goals he scores in one season. Also, some of his goals are absolute beauties."