Villa overturned a first-leg deficit in emphatic fashion at Villa Park, thrashing Forest 4-0 to progress 4-1 on aggregate and reach their first major European final since lifting the European Cup in 1982.
Goals from Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Buendía put Unai Emery's side in control before McGinn struck twice to complete the rout and send Villa through to a final against Bundesliga outfit SC Freiburg in Istanbul on May 20.
The result kept alive Villa's hopes of winning a first major trophy since the 1996 League Cup, with McGinn saying the squad now has the opportunity to become club legends.
"We need to make sure that we are not the nearly men," McGinn told TNT Sports.
"It's about embracing the pressure and trying to become legends. It's a historic club and it's been a long time without success."
Villa's display came at a crucial moment after three successive defeats in all competitions had increased scrutiny on both the players and manager Unai Emery.
However, Emery's side responded with one of their best performances of the season to keep alive hopes of European glory and a strong Premier League finish.
"Tonight was up there with one of the best performances I have seen from a Villa team in a long time," McGinn said.
Watkins also credited Emery for guiding Villa through another deep European run, with the Spaniard chasing a fifth Europa League title after previous triumphs with Sevilla and Villarreal.
"There is no better manager to get us prepared for this game and obviously take us into the final as well," Watkins said.
"His track record speaks for itself. We are in a great position, but we need to go there and win now."
Emery praised his players for delivering collectively and individually on a night he described as emotionally charged, but warned Villa must remain balanced ahead of the final.
"We can feel happy and proud, but we need balance because we still have the final to play," Emery said.
