Q: imessages not syncronizing between old ipod and new iphone

Have an old ipod 4th gen 32gb that has been using imessage for years.  First iphone 5S today and logged in with Apple ID, icloud backup, etc.  Have tried sync with a PC and up to date itunes.  Messages from ipod do not appear on iphone and vice versa.  All software for both devices is up to date, but maybe the ipod is too old?

1- Wind Mobile had issues with imessage activation.  Seems to be fixed.

2- is the ipod too old, it's ios 6.1.6. icloud doesn't show a message area for backup, i guess it's done directly via imessage

3- I looked at backing up via itunes but cannot seem to use an ipod backup on an iphone

Either the wind mobile issue is a problem.  I have tried cycling imessage and facetime with apple id on/off, restart.  Nothing.  Sent a net new message after changes and it doesn't appear on ipod.

send a recieve list shows the same email (4) and phone. check marks are the same for start new conversation.

Both have active internet connections.

Sent a text message to myself and the message popped up on ipod.  Just, old messages from ipod don't appear on iphone.

Any help appreciated.