SPORTS: Messi Mullers goals record (THE SUN)

MULLER FLIGHT ... Messi wings in to celebrate after breaking Muller's goal mark

Published: 09th December 2012

Germany and Bayern Munich striker Muller netted an incredible 85 times in 1972.

But Barcelona star Messi went one better with a double in the Catalans' 2-0 win over Real Betis on Sunday night.

He opened the scoring after 16 minutes when he glided through the Betis defence before slotting across the keeper.

And his second came just nine minutes later when Andres Iniesta delivered a perfect pass for him to hammer home.

Writing on Facebook, Messi said: "It was important to win the game today and pretty amazing to beat Gerd Müller’s 85 goal record.

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"A really big thank you to all my team-mates and fans who have made this possible!

"Thank you very much for your incredible support. I could not have done this without you!"

The Argentina forward feared he would miss the match after he suffered an injured knee against Benfica in midweek.

However, he was named in the starting XI for the Spanish League clash in Seville.

Last month, Messi passed Brazil legend Pele's record of 75 goals set in 1958 when he was at Santos.

Speaking after that, Barca coach Tito Vilanova said: “Leo’s records are spectacular.

“It’s spectacular when you think that he scores so many goals.

"Some players reach these numbers in seven or eight seasons, he does it in one. And most of his goals are great goals.”

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