Facebook Messenger's hidden football game is strangely addictive

Easter egg which coincides with Euro 2016 and Copa Ami(C)rica is Facebook's latest ploy to turn Messenger into another billion-user platform for the social network

Facebook has an aptly timed new hidden game within its Messenger app that challenges you to a surprisingly difficult and addictive game of keepie uppie.

To start the game, make sure you're using the latest version of the dedicated Facebook Messenger app on either Android or iOS; start a conversation with either a friend or group; send the football emoji (not a sticker) to the group or friend and then tap it - and the game begins.

The idea is simple: keep the ball in the air by tapping it. But it's strangely addictive, not dissimilar to a static Flappy Bird. My current best is 16, which I managed once and haven't been able to get close to again.