Just Fontaine scored 13 goals in six matches at the 1958 World Cup, wearing borrowed boots and not even expecting to start. Now, 68 years later, Lionel Messi stands on the verge of history – but first he must face an opponent he has never encountered in his entire international career: England.
Fontaine's record has stood for decades, a remarkable feat made more so by the circumstances. He was not first choice for France; team-mate Rene Bliard was injured in a warm-up game, forcing a last-minute change. Fontaine had to borrow boots from Stephane Bruey for the opening match because his own pair were damaged in training. He did not even receive a Golden Boot trophy – a Swedish newspaper awarded him an air rifle for being a "sharp shooter".
“Lionel Messi will face England for the first time in the World Cup semi-final while chasing Just Fontaine's 13-goal record.”
Born in Marrakesh in August 1933, when Morocco was a French protectorate, Fontaine went on to represent France after Morocco gained independence in 1956. His career was cut short by injury at the age of 28, meaning he never played in another World Cup. Yet his mark remains: 13 goals in a single tournament, a benchmark that has been chased in vain for generations.
At the 2026 World Cup, some of the best goalscorers on the planet are finally getting closer. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe each have eight goals already, with Erling Haaland on seven and Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham one behind. An extra round of matches in the 48-team format means semi-finalists are guaranteed eight games, but they are still some way behind Fontaine's tally in just six.
Now Messi, who has never faced England in a two-decade international career, will line up against the Three Lions in a historic World Cup semi-final. The match not only decides a place in the final but also gives Messi the chance to continue his pursuit of the greatest World Cup scoring record – one that began with borrowed boots and an air rifle.