Facebook has included a secret soccer game in the latest update to its Messenger app to celebrate Euro 2016 and Copa America.

To play the game, called "Keepy Up", update the iOS Messenger app and send a friend a soccer ball emoji, then tap the emoji in the chat thread to launch the game, the aim of which is to keep the ball in the air.

Messenger soccer game
The game can be started again using the same emoji in the same thread, and high scores are posted in the chat window.

Facebook's previous secret game was basketball-themed to celebrated March Madness and the new NBA season. The game proved a bit hit with users, having since been played over 1 billion times, according to the company.

Earlier this month, Facebook also added 1,500 new emojis to Messenger in order to cater for the diversity of its user base.

Facebook Messenger is a free download for iPhone and iPad on the App Store. [Direct link]

Top Rated Comments

soupcan Avatar
91 months ago
Still won't use it.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
keysofanxiety Avatar
91 months ago
I really, really wish you hadn't posted this article.

One Facebook group message later, and we're all trying to beat each other's high score. Goodbye office productivity.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bushido Avatar
91 months ago
and Siri cant even tell me the match results
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
OldSchoolMacGuy Avatar
91 months ago
By "secret" you mean not at all secret. They call it out right in the app update notes.

Generally Facebook only posts generic update notes so this is really a callout.

Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
T Coma Avatar
91 months ago
Such an amazing time to be alive.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cerote Avatar
91 months ago
Bet it's not the only secret thing they have in there.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)