Messi's pursuit of Mueller record on hold

Former Germany and Bayern Munich striker Gerd Mueller's record of 85 goals in a calendar year will stand for a little longer after Barcelona decided to rest Lionel Messi for a midweek outing in the King's Cup against lowly Alaves.

The Argentina forward, a favourite to secure a fourth straight World Player of the Year award in January, is three goals short of the tally Mueller set in 1972 after netting twice in La Liga at the weekend.

"Messi's only thinking about helping the team to win, not about personal records," Barca coach Tito Vilanova said.

"If he was thinking the other way he would have asked me to play in the Cup."

Holders Barcelona host third-tier Alaves in a last-32 second leg at the Nou Camp on Wednesday when they will defend a 3-0 lead.

Vilanova left out first-team regulars such as Messi, Victor Valdes, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Gerard Pique when naming a 16-man squad, while calling up a number of Academy players.

"We have given the players who have played the most recently a rest," Vilanova said. "It will be a good game for those just back from injury such as Thiago (Alcantara), Adriano and the players from Barca B."

Spain striker David Villa returned to the side after missing Sunday's trip to Levante with an ankle problem, though he has yet to be given the go-ahead to play by the club's medical services.

"David's fine. We'll see how he is tomorrow but there shouldn't be a problem with him playing," Vilanova added.

The unbeaten La Liga leaders moved 11 points clear of champions Real Madrid at the weekend, after Jose Mourinho's men were surprise 1-0 losers at Real Betis.

Real's third league defeat in 13 games, and the prospect of a city derby against second-placed Atletico Madrid on Saturday, has upped the pressure on Mourinho, but Vilanova side-stepped any comment on their arch-rivals.

"I know you find it hard to understand but my priority is tomorrow's game and later the visit of Athletic Bilbao," Vilanova said. "What happens with other clubs is nothing to do with me."

Photograph: Gustau Nacarino/Reuters