The Barcelona forward, 28, curled in a magnificent 32nd-minute free-kick to pass Gabriel Batistuta’s tally of 54 goals in front of a 70,858 crowd at Houston's NRG Stadium.

Messi provided the assist for Ezequiel Lavezzi's third-minute opener and was involved in the build-up to Argentina’s third, scored by Gonzalo Higuain shortly after half-time.

The five-time world player of the year also had a hand in the final goal, laying on the pass for Higuain to score with a tap-in and complete the rout.  

"I'm happy to have the record, and I'm happy to play with the team-mates that have made it possible," said Messi, who now has five goals to his name in the tournament.

"I owe it to them."

Argentina coach Gerardo Martino added: "I'm very happy for him. 

"I'm happy that he's done it here at the Copa América.

"It is great that the best player in the world is the leading scorer of the Argentina national team."

Argentina took the lead in the third minute when captain Messi picked out an unmarked Lavezzi with a lofted first-time pass, allowing his team-mate to head home.

Having been brought down by Chris Wondolowski just after the half-hour mark, Messi stepped up to make it 2-0 with the ensuing free-kick and break his country’s goalscoring record. 

Napoli striker Higuain added a third in the 50th minute, poking in the simplest of rebounds after his first-time shot from Lavezzi’s pass was saved by Brad Guzan.

A superb display from Argentina was capped off in the 86th minute with Messi capitalising on a mistake from the US to drive his way into the penalty area before squaring the ball for Higuain to finish.

Argentina will now play either Colombia or reigning champions Chile in the final, which is due to take place on Sunday (June 26) at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Colombia go up against Chile at Soldier Field in Chicago tomorrow.