Players may come and go. But for my generation, Messi and Ronaldo are like legends. They represent the sport of football for an entire generation, as they have been playing for more than 15 years. Obviously in the next world cup (2026) some new player may take their place. And it is quite possible that some of the younger fans back then won't recognize how good Messi and Ronaldo were. For my parents' generation, Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, Peter Schmeichel, Romário and Roberto Baggio were the heroes. But I don't feel nostalgic for them, because I was a small kid back then. For me, my heroes are Messi and Ronaldo. For the next generation, it maybe someone else.
Talking about soccer star players, there are many soccer stars today, both legends and stars competing in world leagues.
but lionel messi and cristiano ronaldo are extraordinary players who are very talented more than any other football legend. the presence of talented players like these two stars, will not happen in a decade, it can even exceed several decades, until young stars are born who exceed them both, both in talent and achievement of many achievements. so far they are both megastars of all time. however, we will never know they will retire after this world cup event or not.
So far there is no statement from the two megastars.