Lionel Messi’s left-footed strike in the 76th minute Tuesday night against Algeria completed a sensational hat trick and boosted the Argentina star to 16 career goals at the World Cup, tying Miroslav Klose’s all-time mark. Messi subbed out of the match four minutes later to a thunderous ovation in Kansas City, Missouri, with Argentina ahead 3-0. Another goal in the current World Cup would move him past German icon Klose for the record.

Lionel Messi delivered his first World Cup hat trick and matched Miroslav Klose's career scoring record before thousands of Argentina fans packed into Arrowhead Stadium for a…

Lionel Messi received a standing ovation as he left the field after scoring his first ever World Cup hat-trick in Argentina's clash with Algeria.