You can turn on Data Saver on Messenger app to save internet data.
How to turn on Data Saver in Messenger app on Android phone
Data Saver on Messenger disables auto media downloads and enables Click-to-download for images and video when using mobile data is enabled.
To turn on Data Saver on Messenger app:
- On the Messenger app, tap on the Me icon (Profile photo) (at top-left).
- On the Me panel, under Preferences, tap on Data Saver.
- And then turn ON the toggle.
Currently, I am using Messenger app version 346.0.0.7.117. So these settings may be different in different versions.