Lionel Messi has broken Gerd Müller's calendar goals record after he struck twice for Barcelona in their 2-1 Primera Liga win at Real Betis on Sunday night.
The 24-year-old scored his double inside 25 minutes as Barça raced ahead to surpass German striker Müller's 1972 haul.
Lionel Messi
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(01 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona gives his thumbs up during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(02 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona gives his thumbs up during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) vies for the ball with Betis' defender Nacho (L) during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs Barcelona at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla on December 9, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ CRISTINA QUICLER (Photo credit should read CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (C) controls the ball during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs Barcelona at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla on December 9, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ CRISTINA QUICLER (Photo credit should read CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) kicks the ball during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs Barcelona at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla on December 9, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ CRISTINA QUICLER (Photo credit should read CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(06 of48)
,SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (C) duels for the ball with Benat Etxeberria (R) and Jose Alberto Canas of Real Betis Balompieduring the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(07 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates with his teammates after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi equals the scoring record of Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year set up in 1972. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(08 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (R) duels for the ball with Antonio Amaya of Real Betis Balompie during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(09 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (R) duels for the ball with Antonio Amaya of Real Betis Balompie during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) celebrates with Barcelona's midfielder Andres Iniesta (R) after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(11 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (R) scores his team's second goal past Jose Alberto Canas of Real Betis Balompie during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi beats the 1972 scoring record set by Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(12 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) celebretes with Barcelona's midfielder Andres Iniesta (R) after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(14 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(15 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (L) duels for the ball with Javier Chica of Real Betis Balompie during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(16 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(17 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (R) celebrates with his teammates Xavi Hernandez (C) and Carles Puyol of FC Barcelona after scoring his team's second goal the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi beats the 1972 scoring record set by Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year.(Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(18 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (R) celebrates with his teammates Xavi Hernandez (C) and Carles Puyol of FC Barcelona after scoring his team's second goal the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi beats the 1972 scoring record set by Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year.. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) celebretes with Barcelona's midfielder Xavi Hernandez (R) after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(20 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (R) celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi beats the 1972 scoring record set by Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(22 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (R) celebrates with his teammate Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona after scoring his team's second goal the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi beats the 1972 scoring record set by Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(23 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(24 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates with his teammates after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi equals the scoring record of Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year set up in 1972. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) vies for the ball with Betis' defender Antonio Amaya (2nd L) and defender Jose Dorado (L) during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebratesduring the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) celebrates with Barcelona's defender Jordi Alba (R) during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) celebrates with Barcelona's defender Jordi Alba (R) during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(32 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (R) celebrates with his teammates Xavi Hernandez (C) and Carles Puyol of FC Barcelona after scoring his team's second goal the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi beats the 1972 scoring record set by Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(33 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates with his teammate Jordi Alba of FC Barcelona after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi equals the 1972 scoring record set by Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(34 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Andres Iniesta of FC Barcelona assists his teammate Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona for scoring his team's second goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi beats the 1972 scoring record set by Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) vies with Betis' defender Javier Chica (R) during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs Barcelona at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla on December 9, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ CRISTINA QUICLER (Photo credit should read CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi gestures during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(37 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates with his team-mate Andres Iniesta of FC Barcelona after scoring his team's second goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi beats the 1972 scoring record set by Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) gestures during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs Barcelona at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla on December 9, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ CRISTINA QUICLER (Photo credit should read CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) celebrates with Barcelona's defender Jordi Alba (R) after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi reacts during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Betis' Costa Rican forward Joel Campbell (L) vies for the ball with Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(42 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates with his team-mates after scoring his team's second goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. With this goal Lionel Messi beats the 1972 scoring record set by Gerd Muller of 85 goals in one year. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs Barcelona at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla on December 9, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ CRISTINA QUICLER (Photo credit should read CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs Barcelona at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla on December 9, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ CRISTINA QUICLER (Photo credit should read CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga(48 of48)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (R) scores the opening goal during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 9, 2012 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
It caps another superb year for the Argentine, who became Barcelona's all-time record goalscorer last season despite the Blaugrana's failure to win either the Primera Liga or the Champions League.
"I always say the same, it's nice for what it means but the victory is more important as it maintains our lead over the other teams," Messi modestly told Canal Plus afterwards.
"My goal when the year began was to try to achieve everything again, with the team, in the league, the (King's) Cup, the Champions League. I always start with that idea in mind."
West Germany international Müller Mueller scored 72 times for Bayern Munich and 13 for Die Mannschaft at the age of 27 40 years ago.
MESSI'S GOALS BY MONTH
- January 7
- February 10
- March 13
- April 9
- May 8
- June 4
- July 0
- August 7
- September 5
- October 10
- November 9
- December 4