The Barcelona forward scored the third of his country’s goals on the hour mark, taking a pass from Nicolás Gaitán just outside the six-yard box and poking home to match Gabriel Batistuta’s tally of 54 goals.

His superb long pass also provided the assist for the first of Gonzalo Higuain’s two goals that Argentina a 2-0 half-time lead at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

Salomon Rondon pulled one back for Venezuela 10 minutes after Messi had made it 3-0, however, Érik Lamela snuffed out any hopes of a comeback and set up a last-four meeting with hosts the United States.

"For us to be back in another semi-final of a big tournament like this one is a great achievement for these players," said Messi.

"I'm happy for what it means and it's nice to be next to 'Batigol' [Batistuta], but for me the most important thing is the result."

At 2-0 down, the Venezuelans had a great opportunity to get themselves back into the game after Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero’s clumsy challenge on Josef Martínez in the box.

But from the resulting penalty, Luis Manuel Seijas tried to chip the ball down the middle only for Romero to stand his ground and catch it with ease.

Holders Chile will meet Colombia in the other semi-final after inflicting a record 7-0 defeat on Mexico at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.

Eduardo Vargas scored four goals to help the defending champions top Mexico’s previous record defeat at a major tournament - a 6-0 loss against West Germany at the 1978 World Cup.

Edson Puch also scored twice for Chile, while Arsenal's Alexis Sánchez completed the rout.

Argentina are due to face the US at Houston's NRG Stadium on Wednesday (June 22), with Colombia going up against Chile at Soldier Field in Chicago on Thursday (June 23).