Tito Vilanova heaps praise on Lionel Messi

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has heaped praise on Lionel Messi after the striker broke the record for the most goals scored in a calendar year during Sunday's 2-1 win at Real Betis.

The Argentine surpassed Gerd Muller's 40-year record of 85 goals for club and country with his brace at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.

"He made his record look easy and still has a further three games to continue to help us," said Vilanova.

"Players are usually valued when they have retired, but Messi is the best player in history even if he has much time left in his career.

"He is a player with no limits. You have to enjoy every day and every minute, you just have to enjoy him as a football player."

Messi's double against Betis took his tally for the season to 30 goals in 23 matches.