Messi passes Pelé's goal mark, nears Mueller

Lionel Messi keeps making history. Barcelona and Argentina's forward netted twice against Mallorca and has beaten - with 76 - Brazilian player Pelé's record of goals scored in one calendar year.

"O Rei" had achieved 75 in 1958 with Santos and the Brazilian national team, after 53 matches. Messi, with Barça and Argentina, has reached 76 in 59 games.

The Argentine World Player of the Year is also closing in on the record for a calendar year of 85 set by German Gerd Mueller in 1972.

Messi has 15 in La Liga, four ahead of Real forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who has a chance to add to his tally at Levante in Sunday's late kickoff after Atlético, whose own unbeaten run ended last weekend at Valencia, host Getafe (1845).

The player who achieved his second Ballon D'Or in season 2011-2012, is strengthening his condition for a new Ballon D'Or, that will be announced in January at Zurich by the International Federation (FIFA).

Barça, whose only dropped points came in October's 2-2 draw at home to champions Real Madrid, took a 28th-minute lead at Mallorca's Iberostar stadium when Xavi left goalkeeper Dudu Aouate rooted to the spot with a sumptuous free kick.

Messi, who had his new-born son's name Thiago written on his boots, made it 2-0 when Aouate let his low drive squirm past him in the 44th minute and Cristian Tello cut in from the left and curled into the far corner a minute later.

Mallorca kept plugging away and were rewarded 10 minutes into the second period when Javier Mascherano surrendered possession on the right and the ball eventually fell to Michael Pereira who smashed it past Victor Valdes.

Victor Casadesus scored from the spot two minutes later after a Sergio Busquets handball in the penalty area and the home fans sniffed an unlikely comeback.

However, substitute Alexis Sanchez chested down a Daniel Alves centre for Messi and he took a touch before sending a blistering shot into the roof of the net.