iMessage backup on iCloud
Can backed up iMessages be viewed on iCloud.com or through the iCloud software installed on a computer? Or can they only be viewed on the phone after performing a restore?
iPhone 6s, iOS 9.3.5
Without some kind of third party software, you can only view the messages after a complete restore of your device from a backup. This may be one alternative:
http://www.iphonebackupextractor.com/
and I'm sure there are others. I can't vouch for any of them.