Messi breaks Muller’s goal-scoring record

Lionel Messi has set a new record for most goals scored in a calendar year with 86, his brace against Real Betis took him one ahead of Gerd Muller’s previous record 85 set in 1972.

Messi’s record bid looked in doubt when he was stretchered off against Benfica in mid-week, but having not missed a game for Barcelona in more than two years, it was no surprise to see him back in the starting XI on Sunday. 

He needed two to break the record and it took him all of 25 minutes to do it, that took his 2012 total to 74 in 57 with Barca and 12 in nine with Argentina, and he still has three more games to set the benchmark even higher.

What makes this even more remarkable is that at 25 Messi hasn’t reached his peak yet and could get even better.

This record should once and for all prove he’s the best in the world by a considerable margin and I’m pretty sure when he’s retired he’ll be considered the best ever, either way it’s a joy to watch.