Barcelona's Lionel Messi breaks Gerd Mueller's 40-year record with first-half double at Betis

Barcelona star Lionel Messi broke a 40-year-old record for the most goals in a calendar year with a first-half brace at Real Betis.

Messi took just 16 minutes to equal German legend Gerd Mueller's mark of 85 from 1972 when he slotted a ball from Adriano into the corner.
But the 25-year-old surpassed Mueller nine minutes later with a sweeping shot he was afforded by Andres Iniesta's deft backheel.
Sunday's milestone was the latest in a jaw-dropping, relentless career.
Last season, he became the most successful goalscorer in the history of the La Liga by hitting 50 goals in the league campaign and also equalled the record for goals scored in a Champions League season when he hit 14.

He is already the club's greatest scorer having eclipsed the record held by Cesar Rodriguez set in the 1940s and 1950s.
This latest feat means he will be the overwhelming favourite to once again claim the FIFA Ballon d'Or over team-mate Iniesta and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo.
He would be the first player to win the award four times.
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11833/8320993/Barcelona-s-Lionel-Messi-breaks-Gerd-Mueller-s-40-year-record-with-first-half-double-at-Betis