The same argument was made regarding Ronaldo for the FIFA 2022 World Cup. But then, world cup happens only once every years and participating in it and representing the country is a dream for almost all the top football players. I am 100% sure that Messi and Neymar will represent their respective countries during FIFA 2026. I am not against giving adequate opportunities for the younger players. But that doesn't always work well. We all saw the case with Portugal during Qatar 2022. At top level football, there is no substitute for international experience.
For Neymar, he still has a chance even though he was already 34 when the 2026 world cup was held. however, the truth is we will never know because it is possible that he will not be called up by the new Brazil coach. because, Brazil currently has many young generations that can be relied on.
Likewise with Messi, he is too old to fight in the 2026 world cup later. he already has what he aspires to be throughout his football career, it is time to be replaced by the younger generation and at the same time test their skills.
Especially for Ronaldo, his existence seems to fade with age. in fact, he is having a hard time scoring goals for his new team at the moment. apart from all that, Messi and Ronaldo are two of the greatest superstars of all time for me. but the time has come for them to entrust it to the younger generation.