I haven't see this issue before, I hate the messaging app, there are really not many options/customization, I even hate their read/unread distinction, I find it too vague, why can't we have different colors, different fonts, decide what we want to see on screen, etc.. Google wants everyone to use gmail app and intentionally neglects the messaging app. Even SMS, LG's sms app is Amazing. Simply great, but stock sms is just plain with no options. LG has links functionality which is very useful.
I have to admit google improved the messaging app over the years, but still the improvements are minor considering all those changes took years to arrive.