If you are technically inclined, install a lightweight custom ROM based on Android 5.1 or 6.0 on your device. This allows you to run a much newer version of Messenger. However, this voids warranties and risks bricking devices.
If you open the Google Play Store on your Android 4.4.2 device and search for "Facebook Messenger," you will likely see a message saying "Your device isn't compatible with this version." This is because Meta (Facebook’s parent company) officially ended support for Android KitKat in late 2020. facebook messenger for android 4.4.2
The main Facebook Messenger app on the Google Play Store generally requires Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. If you are technically inclined, install a lightweight