Messi scores in 500th game for Barca to keep Liga lead

This was an historic night at the Nou Camp for many reasons - but one which might be remembered for a terrible refereeing error. There was much to celebrate - for one, Lionel Messi scored to mark his milestone 500th Barcelona appearance.

Former Blaugrana and Real Betis manager, Patrick O'Connell, was inducted into the hosts' hall of fame and posthumously honoured before the game.

Barcelona showed off the fifth trophy of an amazing year, the Club World Cup, to supporters at the Nou Camp, before scoring the goals they needed to beat Real Madrid's record of goals in a calendar year - ending up with 180 to Los Blancos 178.

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Lionel Messi scored in his 500th match for Barcelona to help them ease past Real Betis 4-0 on Wednesday and ensure they kept the lead of the Spanish league to conclude a superb year for the Catalan club.

Messi recovered from a hard knock with Antonio Adan that was ruled a penalty against the Betis goalkeeper by later doubling Barcelona's advantage after an own goal gave the hosts the lead.

Betis coach Pepe Mel was sent off for protesting shortly after, and Luis Suarez scored twice in the second half.

With a game to play, Luis Enrique's team leads La Liga on goal difference from Atletico Madrid, which won 2-0 at Rayo Vallecano.

Barcelona won five titles in 2015, including the Spanish league and Champions League.

The three points for Barcelona saw them go top of La Liga, replacing Atletico Madrid, who had replaced Real Madrid, who had replaced Barcelona themselves at the start of a long day of football.

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