International press hail Leo Messi's historic year

Media outlets from around the world took notice when the Argentine broke Gerd Müller's all-time record for goals scored in a calendar year

Ignasi Soriguera / Ian MacLurg

First Team

09 Dec 12

It took Leo Messi 343 days to score 86 goals in 2012, a mark that sees the Argentine clear of the record of goals scored in a calendar year set by Gerd ‘Der Bomber’ Müller in 1972. Press from around the globe took notice when Messi fired twice past Real Betis Balompié’s keeper this Sunday to break the 40-year-old record. The Blaugrana forward has three more games left in 2012 to add to his record-breaking tally of 86 goals.

Here’s an overview of headlines from around the world:

NORTH AMERICA:

Messi breaks 40-year record with 86th goal of 2012 | Sports Illustrated

Messi Makes History | Huffington Post

Lionel Messi's record year | CNN.com

Messi supera récord de goles de Müller | ESPN Deportes

Lionel Messi Broke The All-Time Record For Goals In A Year With This Left-Footed One-Timer | Business Insider

Messi breaks Muller's record of 85 goals in a calendar year | Goal.com

Messi sets record of 86 for goals in year | Chicago Tribune

Leo Messi Breaks Muller's Record | Balls.ie

EUROPE:

Month by month, goal by goal... The diary of Messi's extraordinary record-breaking year | Daily Mail

MESSI NAAST MÜLLER | De Telegraaf

Messi Mullers goals record | The Sun

Betis - Barça : Messi bat le record de Müller! | RMC Sport

RESPECT! MESSI NAAST MÜLLER - Bekijk zijn doelpunt | Voetbalflitsen

Here is Lionel Messi 's Record-Breaking 86th Calendar Year GOAL! | BBC Sporf

Messi beats Muller's goalscoring record as 86th strike of 2012 gives Barcelona commanding lead over Real Betis | Daily Mail

Messi rompe récord de goles en un año | BBC Mundo

Messi verbetert record van Müller | Nos

Messi-leggenda, 86 reti in una stagione Battuto il record di Muller, vecchio 40 anni | Corriere Della Sera