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          FIFA World Cup fever takes over Kerala, Kolkata: In pictures

          Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar Jr. feature prominently in Kerala's World Cup celebrations. ESPN
          • Aaditya Narayan
          Nov 18, 2022, 05:01 AM

          India may not have participated at a (senior) FIFA World Cup yet, but every four years that doesn't stop football fans in the country from decking up in their best to support their adopted nations for the course of the month.

          A couple of weeks ago in the southern Indian state of Kerala, we saw the story of a 30-foot Lionel Messi against a 40-foot Neymar. Well, when Messi and Neymar are there, can Cristiano Ronaldo be left too far behind? Of course, there's no Piers Morgan here, but the Ronaldo fans from the tiny village of Pullavoor (Kozhikode district) ensured their hero was represented amongst the stars of the world game. Of course, Ronaldo's cut-out is larger as well.

          Kerala is also home to a large number of expats who currently live in the Gulf -- and with the World Cup in Qatar, the festivities have well and truly begun.

          Such sights are barely a surprise to anyone who has followed Kerala's tryst with World Cups. Large public displays of affection are a norm, and so is one-upmanship.

          Not far from Kozhikode, in Malappuram district, a Brazil rally was the order of one night, as they brought a 187 feet long flex-board. And what a sight it was:

          Largely, Kerala is divided between Brazil and Argentina fans, so it really isn't a surprise to see sights such as these from different parts of the state.

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          Kerala's Argentina fans also went in another unique direction with their fandom, penning down a song titled "Ennum Argentina" (Always Argentina), as La Albiceleste gear up to try and win their first World Cup in 36 years.

          For India, seeing Sunil Chhetri and co. mixing it with the best in the world still is a far-fetched idea, but during World Cup time in Kerala, the Indian captain is no less a hero.

          Chhetri isn't left behind, and when it comes to Football, West Bengal cannot be left behind either.

          And well, the famous jersey markets in Kolkata are doing their thing again. Anyone fancy a trip?