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MANU FERNANDEZ/AP/Press Association Images
Falling short

2012 can't end like this: Messi departs injured

Gerd Müller’s record might be safe after all.

THERE WAS NO record-equalling goal for Lionel Messi on Wednesday as the Argentine ace went off injured in Barcelona’s Champions League clash with Benfica.

Messi has scored 84 goals in matches so far this year, one short of the record set by German player Gerd Mueller in 1972.

But the 25-year-old was unable to convert any of his chances and then went down injured in the 85th minute of the 0-0 draw at the Nou Camp.

Messi collided with Benfica goalkeeper Artur in the penalty box, but rode the initial challenge to fire off a looping shot before slumping to the floor.

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He received treatment on the pitch before being carted off, though initial reports from the club’s medical team indicate that the issue is not as serious as first feared.

- © AFP, 2012

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