World Cup fever grips Kerala, Bengal

India's football-loving states Kerala and West Bengal warm up for the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia with a colourful celebration of the beautiful game's superstars. Here is how Messi and Neymar; Argentina and Brazil are on everyone's lips and line of sight.

Photo: K.K. MUSTAFAH

For some fans, Lionel Messi virtually walks on water. A flex cut-out of the Argentine football star set against the backdrop of scenic backwaters at Karukamad in Kerala's Thrissur is grabbing eyeballs in the build-up to the World Cup. This cut-out, installed by Karukamad Kala Vedi, is 10 ft high and costs about Rs 6,000. (Photo: K.K. Mustafah)

Photo: S. Ramesh Kurup

A Lionel Messi cutout stands tall at Thaikottam Parambil in Kozhikode. (Photo: S. Ramesh Kurup)

Photo: S. Gopakumar

There is no mistaking who these football fans will support at the World Cup. Stars past and present of the Selecao adorn a wall in Thiruvananthapuram. (Photo: S. Gopakumar)

Photo: PTI

Football passions will scale highs during the World Cup, and these kite makers in Kolkata are mass-producing their wares for fans. (Photo: PTI)

Photo: PTI

Brazilian star Marcelo and his left-foot look on point in this artist's work on a Kolkata wall. Street art is a favourite of football fans in the build-up to the World Cup. (Photo: PTI)

Photo: AFP

Tourists and residents walk along a street in Darjeeling awash with flags of countries taking part in the World Cup. (Photo: AFP)

Photo: S. Ramesh Kurup

Street art showcasing support for Brazil is the backdrop of a discussion between football fans at Nainanvalappu in Kozhikode. (Photo: S. Ramesh Kurup)

Photo: Thulasi Kakkat

Kochi's love for football on display through cutouts of Neymar and Messi in the run-up to the World Cup. (Photo: Thulasi Kakkat)

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For some fans, Lionel Messi virtually walks on water. A flex cut-out of the Argentine football star set against the backdrop of scenic backwaters at Karukamad in Kerala's Thrissur is grabbing eyeballs in the build-up to the World Cup. This cut-out, installed by Karukamad Kala Vedi, is 10 ft high and costs about Rs 6,000. (Photo: K.K. Mustafah)