Hi Josh,
I understand that you're unable to locate the Messages app on your iPhone. It's certainly important to stay in touch with everyone; I'd like to help you locate this app.
Since the Messages app can't be removed from your device, it must be hidden on another Home screen or in one of your folders. You can search for the Messages app first to ensure that it can be located and it's working properly:
Use Search on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
Next, check all Home screen pages by swiping to the left on your main Home screen. Please also check all folders to see if it is hidden. If you're unable to locate the app this way, you may need to reset the Home screen layout by navigating to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Home Screen Layout. This will move everything back to its default location and move all apps out of folders.
Take care.
I understand that you're unable to locate the Messages app on your iPhone. It's certainly important to stay in touch with everyone; I'd like to help you locate this app.
Since the Messages app can't be removed from your device, it must be hidden on another Home screen or in one of your folders. You can search for the Messages app first to ensure that it can be located and it's working properly:
Use Search on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
Next, check all Home screen pages by swiping to the left on your main Home screen. Please also check all folders to see if it is hidden. If you're unable to locate the app this way, you may need to reset the Home screen layout by navigating to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Home Screen Layout. This will move everything back to its default location and move all apps out of folders.
Take care.
Messages App On Macbook Not Working
Reinstall Messages App On Mac
Building Apps for iMessage. Get the latest version of Xcode, which includes the iOS SDK and the tools you need to build, test, and submit your app to the App Store for iMessage. Learn about the Messages framework. Find technical details on the Messages framework, which you’ll use to create sticker packs and iMessage apps. Check the Guidelines. Apple What's new: The new Messages app in MacOS Big Sur includes ways to pin conversations (similar to a feature in the new iOS 14), options to better wrangle group messages, a redesigned search.