Intelligent routing of communication(s) is provided to international number(s) in a messaging service. To route a communication that includes an international number, format of the communication is established. A text-only communication is delivered through a messaging service transport protocol (MSTP) suitable for text. A media-based communication intended for a plurality of recipients, e.g., a group message, is ungrouped, the international number is identified, and a new message is generated for a group of recipients that excludes a recipient associated with the international number. The new message is delivered through a MSTP suitable for media, whereas an exception handling procedure is conducted for the international number. In addition, to route the communication that includes an international number, network interoperability of predetermined MSTP can be assessed. The communication is delivered through the predetermined MSTP if it is interoperable. Conversely, the communication is routed as a media-based group message.