Former West Germany international Gerd Mueller has expressed his happiness after he saw Lionel Messi claim his record for the number of goals in a calendar year.

Mueller's haul of 85 goals had stood since 1972 when he played as a striker for Bayern Munich.

However, Argentina international Messi surpassed Mueller with both goals during Barcelona's 2-1 victory over Real Betis last night.

"My record stood for 40 years - 85 goals in 60 games - and now the best player in the world has broken it, and I'm delighted for him. He is an incredible player, gigantic," Mueller told Sport1.de.

Messi has 30 goals to his name this season.

Written by
Liam Apicella