Cannot open iMessage image sent previously

iMessage images previously sent show up as icon in the message. Someone sent an image 2 days ago. I did not download it then but cannot now. It shows up as an icon. I have plenty of storage, have restarted. iOS 26. iPad 9th generation . This happens when contacts are shared too. In the attached, the image, a screenshot, was sent just 2 days ago. It happens w HEIC photos too.

[Edited by Moderator]