How can I find old messages

If you've deleted a message there is no way to recover it, without restoring an old backup which may have those messages saved.

You can use the search feature to type in key words to try and find a message. This should be the first thing you see on your Messages screen below Messages its-self in big, bold lettering.

If you are trying to find messages that are from the last 12 months and you can’t find them, you may have the auto-delete feature turned on. To find it, go to Settings>Messages>Keep Messages.

Note that if you are using iCloud Syncing for Messages, they are not part of your back up and, once deleted, they are gone

Hi! Could you please tell me what you’re trying to do in more detail? Thanks!