The five-time world player of the year scored in the 32nd minute of the match in Houston to give Argentina a 2-0 lead.
The goal in his 112th international lifts him above Gabriel Batistuta, who scored 54 goals in 78 games for the two-time world champions. Messi’s goal was a glorious free kick from 25 yards out that gave US goalkeeper Brad Guzan little chance.
He took the kick after being cynically felled as he burst forward by Chris Wondolowski, the American receiving a yellow card.It doubled Argentina’s lead after Ezequiel Lavezzi put them one up in just three minutes.
The Barcelona striker now has five goals in the Centenary Copa America and is one behind Chilean Eduardo Vargas in the race to become the tournament’s top goalscorer.
He has achieved his tally despite not starting in Argentina’s first three games because of a back injury.
