Fact file

Date of birth: June 24, 1987

Birthplace: Rosario, Argentina

Major club honors: Three Champions Leagues, five league titles in Spain, two Spanish Cups, two Super Cups, two Club World Cups

International caps: 76 (31 goals)

International honors: Olympic gold medal (2008)

Individual honors: Three Ballon d'Or titles (2009, 2010, 2011)

The man nicknamed La Pulga (The Flea) has terrorized defenses in La Liga and scored about a goal a game over the past three seasons - many of them spectacular.

Brilliant on the ball, sublime finisher and as good as unplayable when in top form - though that form can become submerged on occasion when he dons the colors of Argentina.

Set to become the first man ever to win the Ballon d'Or player of the year accolade four times.

MESSI vs MUELLER

- Of the 86 goals scored by Messi in 2012, 12 were for Argentina and 74 for his club. He has scored 56 in La Liga, 14 in the Champions League, three in the Copa del Rey and two in the Spanish Super Cup.

- Mueller set the record in 1972 by scoring 72 goals for Bayern and 13 for Germany. He played 60 matches that year. Messi broke the record at the age of 25. Mueller was 27 when he set the 85-goal record.

China Daily

(China Daily 12/11/2012 page24)