Links Not Live In A Text Message

One workaround we have found is if you tap and hold the message to bring up the prompts (heart, thumbs, !!, ? etc) and select one of those, then tap and hold the message again, the link will become active.

https://www.tatango.com/blog/apple-ios-bug-is-blocking-hyperlinks-in-text-messages/

Pro Tip:

When composing mass text messages or customizing your welcome text message, always add a word or two at the very end of your message. This will keep the blue link inside the message for iOS devices (instead of making a preview that must be pressed). For example, "Welcome to our event. Please don't forget to bid. Tap here: [u] Enjoy!"
Refrain from putting dollar symbols in your mass text messages. Apple will remove any blue links due to an ApplePay issue. Better safe than sorry.