Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi's pursuit of Gerd Muller's record of 85 goals in a calendar year will be delayed after the Argentine was left out of the club's latest squad.

The 25-year-old has struck 82 goals in 2012, but will not surpass the record this week after being left out of the squad to face Deportivo Alaves in the Copa del Rey.

Messi, who has scored two goals in each of his last four matches in all competitions, is also the favourite to pick up a fourth World Player of the Year award in January.

However, Barca boss Tito Vilanova told reporters: "Messi's only thinking about helping the team to win, not about personal records."

Messi has scored 26 goals in all competitions this season.