Personal Records Are Good But I Prefer To Win Titles With Barca – Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi insists that his record-breaking 86-goal haul in 2012 will amount to nothing if Barcelona fails to win the La Liga and Champions League titles.

The Argentine star on Sunday, wrote his name in the history books by equaling and surpassing German legend, Gerd Mueller’s 1972 record of 85 goals in a calendar year with a first-half double that helped his side coast to an important 2-1 win at Real Betis.

But the 25-year-old was happier to highlight the win more than the record as his team eye a domestic and European double.

“I’ve said it a lot, it’s nice to beat records but the win for the team is what is important and the points difference at the top,” said Messi as Barcelona maintained their six-point lead over Atletico Madrid and 11-point gap on Real Madrid.

“My goals are to win titles with the team, the Spanish league, Spanish Cup or Champions League is more important than any personal records.”