Messi breaks Muller’s 40-year old record with brace at Betis

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi last night broke Gerd Muller’s record of 85 goals in a calendar year as his double helped Tito Vilanova’s side to a 2-1 victory at Real Betis.

The Argentina international grabbed the opener in the 16th minute with a trademark dribble and finish to move level with the German striker, who achieved the feat in 1972.

His second goal of the evening, and 86th in a remarkable 2012, came with another left-footed shot past Adrian after he had been teed up by Andres Iniesta after 25 minutes.