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| Leo Messi made history this Sunday night as he set a new record for the number of goals scored in a calendar year as he netted twice in his side's 2-1 away win to Betis. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) |
MADRID, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Leo Messi made history on Monday when he scored his 85th and 86th goals of 2012 to set a new record for the number of goals scored in a calendar year.
As well as helping his side to a 2-1 win away to a difficult Real Betis, Messi's goals saw him break the record of 85 goals set by German striker Gerd Muller, which had lasted for 40 years.
Messi's goals have come in 66 games, six more than Muller, with 56 coming in the BBVA Primera Liga, 3 in the Copa del Rey, two in the Spanish Supercup, 13 in the Champions League and 12 in games for the Argentinean national team.
"It's really nice to break the record for all that it means, but the important thing is that we won against Betis. That allows us to maintain our lead over every other side (11 over Real Madrid and six over Atletico Madrid)" said Messi on TV station Canal Plus after his incredible feat.
"We knew it was going to be difficult to come here, because Betis are playing really well in the league and we have taken a very important win," added the striker of Barca's win in a ground where Real Madrid lost a fortnight ago.
"My aim at the start of this year was to be able to win everything again," he replied when he was asked if he had any more challenges for the season.
One thing Messi commented that he wouldn't mind not winning is the Balon D' or award presented by FIFA and France Football for the player of the year. Messi commented he would be glad to see that award go to his Barca team-mate Andres Iniesta.
"If he won it, it would be very deserved because of everything he has done. It would be a reward for the Barca dressing room," said the striker.
Meanwhile, Barca coach Tito Vilanova said he was amazed by Messi's feat: "It seems impossible that he can score that many goals in a year, but there are still three games (Cordoba in the Cup and Atletico Madrid and Valladolid in the League) left to play and we hope the total continues to increase. We hope he keeps playing for a long time because he is still young."
"I don't think we will ever see a player like him again. He has everything, he understands attacking and defensive football, although the same thing always happens with records and in the future someone will beat them... meanwhile we should enjoy the moment," said Vilanova.
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