Legendary Mueller without a record: Messi - an amazing footballer, but has one flaw © EuroFootball.com

Legendary Gerd Mueller doesn't spare praises for Lionel Messi, who has surpassed the German's record set in 1972.

The Munich "Bayern" and German national team striker scored 85 goals over the course of a calendar year back then, but this year Messi already has 86 accurate strikes in 66 matches.

"My record lasted for 40 years - 85 goals in 60 matches. Now the best player in the world has surpassed it," Mueller said. "I'm happy for him. Lionel is an incredible and great player."

When Mueller achieved the record he was 27, while Messi is currently 25. In addition, until 2013 he still had to play in two more Spanish championship matches and one King's Cup tournament match.

"Messi is a wonderful and humble professional, so I hope he will score at least one or two more goals and keep the record for at least 40 years," added the 67-year-old Mueller. "The only downside is that he doesn't play for the Munich 'Bayern' team!"