Messi breaks Muller’s legendary football goal record

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Published time: December 10, 2012 11:18
Edited time: December 10, 2012 15:18

Lionel Messi, considered the world’s best footballer, has made another landmark achievement: He scored his 86th goal in a calendar year, beating the seemingly unreachable record set by German legend Gerd Muller.

The record fell after Messi netted both of Barcelona’s goals in 2-1 win at Betis in the Spanish League on Sunday.

"I always say the same, it's nice for what it means, but the victory is more important as it maintains our lead over the other teams," the Argentinean told Canal+. "My goal when the year began was to try to achieve everything again, with the team, in the league, the (King's) Cup, the Champions League."

"I always start with that idea in mind," he added.

Messi has scored 56 goals in La Liga, 13 in the Champions League, three in the King's Cup and two in the Spanish Super Cup this year.

The 25-year-old may see his record climb even higher, as Barca are set to play  two league matches and one King's Cup game in December.

The previous record for the most goals in a calendar year belonged to Gerd Muller, who in 1972 scored 85 times for Bayern Munich and West Germany.

West German forward Gerd Müller kicks the ball past East German defender Konrad Weise (4) as forward Martin Hoffmann looks on during the World Cup first round match between East Germany and West Germany 22 June 1974 in Hamburg. East Germany won 1-0 on a goal by forward Juergen Sparwasser.(AFP Photo / AFP)