Since Android 4.4.4 is and Messenger’s backend changes constantly:

Installing is entirely feasible with the right legacy version (v247.0.0.19.106) and careful sideloading. While you lose modern features like message reactions, stories, and advanced stickers, you retain core functionality—texting, group chats, voice notes, and basic calls.

Since the standard app is no longer compatible, you must download a "legacy" APK from a reputable third-party source like APKMirror or Uptodown .