Just Fontaine's 1958 World Cup Goal Record Challenged by Messi
Summary
Lionel Messi has broken the all-time World Cup goal record of 16 and is challenging Just Fontaine's 68-year-old single World Cup record of 13 goals set in 1958, with Argentina's strong performance in the 2026 World Cup.
Key Points
- Lionel Messi scored 5 goals in the first two matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, surpassing Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup goal record of 16.
- Just Fontaine set the record of 13 goals in a single World Cup in 1958, a record considered nearly unbreakable in football history.
- Fontaine scored all 13 goals in open play during the 1958 World Cup while wearing borrowed shoes and was originally a backup player.
- Messi has the possibility to break Fontaine's record with Argentina likely advancing deep into the tournament and potentially playing up to 4 more matches.
- Just Fontaine retired early due to injuries and only played one World Cup, while Messi's current form offers hope of surpassing legacy records.
