Can't be sure about the situation of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2026, we know both players are still superstars in their teams, Messi is still playing for a top European team while Ronaldo decided to continue his career in an Asian team with more money but can't be a reason to say Ronaldo should think about stop playing for his national team soon, also since Messi was one of the best players in 2022 world cup, he still has a high chance to play for Argentina in 2026.
Yes, that's true and that's what I tried to comment on in my previous post.
If we carry out some analysis, I also agree that Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo by 2026 may be able to participate in the World Cup.
But I have no doubt that their performance may decline by then.
Messi will be 39 years old and Cristiano Ronaldo will be 41 years old in 2026 (next world cup).
Cristiano Ronaldo tried several times to be champion of a world cup defending Portugal, and every time he failed.
Honestly, I see no reason for him to want to participate in the 2026 World Cup, he has a lot of money and I believe he also knows that he will not be able to be champion of the next World Cup in 2026.
With regard to Messi, I also don't know if he will play in the next cup, he might want to retire from the Argentine national team with a golden key (being world cup champion), and breaking several records as a player.
Of course what I said is not conclusive, it is merely my humble opinion on this matter!