Lionel Messi Nears Just Fontaine's 78-Year-Old World Cup Goal Record
Summary
Lionel Messi has scored 5 goals in the first two matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, nearing Just Fontaine's 78-year-old record of 13 goals in a single tournament, a record considered one of the toughest in football history.
Key Points
- Lionel Messi scored 5 goals in first two matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, breaking the all-time record of 16 World Cup goals by Miroslav Klose.
- Just Fontaine's record of 13 goals in a single World Cup from 1958 remains unbroken for 78 years.
- Fontaine scored all 13 goals without penalties during open play in the 1958 Sweden World Cup.
- Messi still needs 9 more goals to equal Fontaine's record but has opportunities with Argentina’s strong position in the tournament.
- Fontaine was initially not the first-choice player and played with borrowed shoes, illustrating his unexpected rise and legendary performance.
