DYFI activists taking out a roadshow at Karathode, near Malappuram, on Wednesday as the FIFA World Cup Football Tournament is set to begin in Russia. The FIFA World Cup euphoria has gripped the youngsters across the district. With the fasting season of Ramzan set to end in a day or two, youngsters are rejoicing at the prospect of a World Cup that features some of their favourite players, including Messi and Neymer. Roadshows displaying large flags of Brazil, Argentina, Germany, and other tall footballing nations are being taken out widely across the district. Vehicles painted in Brazil’s and Argentina’s colours are seen criss-crossing the road. “We celebrate what we love. Football is not a mere love for us, but a passion,” said Mohammed Haris, an undergraduate college student at Vengara. Several youth organisations have come forward to join the World Cup celebrations in different ways. When some erected shamianas and set up giant screens at many places, others arranged big TV sets in club halls. At Mattathoor, near Panakkkad, a large pandal has been set up with a giant screen attracting dozens of football lovers. Hundreds can watch the play here. Betting, however, is yet to be reported from anywhere in the district. “We celebrate a love. We don’t want to spoil the fun by resorting to such things,” said Mohammed Haneefa, a trader. Almost two-thirds of football lovers in the district are Argentine fans. And all of them invariably are Messi lovers. “We don’t want to see Messi turning into a tragic hero. This is his World Cup,” said Santhosh Christy, an avid Messi fan. Messi-lovers across the State were ecstatic when Messi included a brief scene of four Malappuram youths in one of his ‘Vamos Argentina’ video clips. “It’s quite amazing. Messi has acknowledged our love for football and Argentina by posting that video on his Facebook page,” said Mr. Christy.

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