It was a record-breaking night for the Barcelona talisman as his delightful free-kick from 25-yards made him Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer, eclipsing Gabriel Batistuta’s record.
It took just three minutes for the South America outfit to get the lead inside Houston’s NRG Stadium.
Ezequiel Lavezzi’s looping header over Brad Guzan from close range put the favourites in obverse.
Argentina weren’t hanging about as they continued to pile on the pressure with constant waves of attack from a deadly trio consisting of Messi, Lavezzi and Gonzalo Higauin.
On 32 minutes Chris Wondolowski was made to pay for a clumsy foul on Messi.
The 28-year-old picked himself up from the turf and skillfully curled home into the top-right corner of the goal, past the fully extended Guzan to score his 55th goal for his country.
Things went from bad to worse for Jurgen Klinsmann’s side before half-time as Higuain put his name on the scoresheet after finding himself alone in the area.
Guzan saved his initial effort but the Napoli forward was quick to pounce on the rebound and converted past the Aston Villa shot-stopper.
USA failed to trouble Sergio Romero in the second half and Argentina piled further misery on the hosts in the final stages of the game as Messi turned supplier this time to set up Higuain for a simple tap in.
Argentina will face Chile or Colombia in Sunday’s final.