Mueller 'proud' to own Messi jersey

German football legend Gerd Mueller has said he was was "proud to have the shirt of the best player in the world" after receiving a jersey from Argentina and Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

"I am very grateful and proud to have the shirt of the best player in the world," said Mueller in Munich on Thursday, as he handed the shirt over to club boss Karl-Heinz Rummenigge so it could be placed in the Bavarian club's museum.

Messi, the reigning four-time Ballon d'Or winner, sent Mueller, whose record for goals in a calendar year he broke last year, a shirt bearing the message: "For Gerd Mueller. My respect and my admiration. Best wishes, Leo."

Messi's tally of 91 goals for club and country, trumped ex-Bayern Munich and Germany star Mueller's previous record of 85 set in 1972.