Do you see therm as being real messengers for God in the end times, or was that symbolic for something else?
Everything is symbolic in Revelation. That is its nature as apocalyptic literature. But that doesn't mean that it is a wax nose that can be pushed into what ever shape you want. The text must be rightly interpreted.
Look at Revelation 14:1-5. The 144,000 are the elect; they have been
'redeemed from the earth.' They are virgins because they follow the Lamb to whom they are espoused; they have not committed spiritual adultery. In contrast to the worldlings of 13:16, they have the Father's name written on their foreheads which means there is no condemnation for them (7:3; Romans 8:1). They are on Mt. Zion, which is the Jerusalem above because they are already seated in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). They sing a new song because they are rejoicing in Christ, which no one but the elect can do. There is no deceit in their mouth because they are true Israelites (John 1:47; Romans 2:28-29) and they are without fault before the throne because Christ has redeemed them from their sin.
The purpose of these verses is to show that even in the most severe persecution (13:15-17), God will protect His people
You can wait for a literal 144,000 literal virgins to appear at Jerusalem if you want. I think you'll be waiting a long time.