Lionel Messi breaks Gerd Muller's record

Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi has broken Gerd Muller's record of scoring the most goals in a European season after netting a hat trick in Wednesday's Liga encounter against Malaga at Camp Nou, Goal.com reported.

The Germany legend netted 67 times for Bayern Munich in the 1972-73 campaign, a feat that was not bettered until the Argentina international tallied his third goal in Catalunya for his 68th this season.

The forward converted a spot kick in the 35th minute, then doubled his tally with another penalty at the hour mark to equal Muller, before completing his hat trick in the 64th minute.