Google Messages App shows duplicate contacts for new messages

[SLiMiam]

When composing a new message within the Google Messages app, all of my contacts appear twice.  I do not have any duplicate contacts in the Contacts app.  I have also tried the Merge Contacts function and that doesn't work.  I've seen similar posts, but no resolution.  I'm unable to delete the app to reinstall as it is native to the phone.

[Tourbillon De La Vie · Accepted solution]

Clear data under app settings / storage 

[SLiMiam]

Thank you @Tourbillon De La Vie that worked to clear the duplicates.  I now have a new issue.  I have old contacts showing in Messages that were deleted from my Google Contacts more than a year ago.  I'm worried that if I re-sync my contacts with Messages that either the duplicates will come back or the old contacts will be repopulated to Google Contacts.