London: Lionel Messi capped off a spectacular year for Barcelona on a high note by scoring in his 500th appearance for the Catalan club and helping them claim a 4-0 win over Real Betis.


Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi kicks the ball during the Spanish league football match FC Barcelona vs Real Betis Balompie at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. Pic/AFP

The Argentine talisman scored Barca's second goal after an own goal by Heiko Westermann put the Catalan side ahead in the 29th minute. The goal was his 425th for the club.