The Chelsea man scored either side of half-time to put the US in control at the Allegiant Stadium, where we played last summer, both cool close-range finishes.

Ricardo Pepi added a third and there were a pair of red cards for both sides as the long-running rivalry turned nasty in the closing stages of this Nations League semi-final, but it was the US who advance to play another neighbour, Canada, and try and retain the title they won two years ago.

On Thursday evening in Las Vegas, Pulisic showed electric speed to get away from the Mexican backline midway through the first half, but after rounding Guillermo Ochoa he could only fire over from eight yards out.

However, our man wouldn’t have to wait long to break the deadlock. Capitalising on defensive indecision in the 37th minute, Pulisic calmly steered the ball past Ochoa on his left from a tight angle. It was his 24th goal for the US.

A 25th would follow just 58 seconds after the restart. Tim Weah was released down the right flank and he crossed for a sliding Pulisic to convert from close range, again with his left foot.

With USA in complete control, the contest turned feisty. Mexico’s Cesar Montes kicked out at debutant Folarin Balogun after being dispossessed and was sent off. Weston McKennie, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Leeds, suffered the same fate for his reaction to the incident.

Pepi added the USA’s third shortly after coming on, benefitting from a brilliant Sergio Dest dribble and pass to round Ochoa and find the net. The final scoreline of 3-0 is the biggest margin of victory for the US over Mexico ever.

There was still time for two more red cards as both sides finished the game reduced to nine men. With five minutes left, Mexico’s Gerardo Arteaga and Dest raised their hands and were dismissed. It means McKennie and Dest, two key figures for the US, will be suspended for the final against Canada, which takes place in the early hours of Monday morning UK time.