In Malappuram, the rivalry between Argentina and Brazil fans is measured in feet, not goals

A 700ft flexible board erected by Brazilian fans in Munda, Edakkara. | Photo credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN

Records alone are not enough for Argentina and Brazil fans in Malappuram. Their passion and rivalry has turned flex boards into a competition of their own, with displays ranging from tens to hundreds of feet and setting new standards in FIFA World Cup fandom.

When Argentinian supporters of the Jas Munda club at Edakkara near Nilambur unveiled a 602-foot horseshoe-shaped flex board on Thursday morning, it seemed like an insurmountable feat. Many believed that their rivals from the same club, who support Brazil, would struggle to overcome them.

They were wrong. The Brazilian camp soon began work on a flex plate in excess of 700 feet, adding another 300 feet to the 400-foot display they had already built.

“There is no one who can beat Brazil, either in spirit or in play,” said Navas NK, a young member of Jas Munda club. “With the FIFA World Cup starting tonight, we don’t expect Argentina fans to extend their 602 feet any further.”

Argentinian fans of the Jas Munda club erecting a 602ft flexible board in Munda, Edakkara. | Photo credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN

A challenge came from close to home for Brazil fans in Edakkara. For Argentina supporters, inspiration came from a 182-foot flexible board built by fans in Kongad, Palakkad.

“When it comes to football passion and the spirit of the World Cup, there is no turning back,” said Naseeb TM, die-hard Argentina supporter and Jas Munda club member. “That spirit led us to put 602 feet in Munda.

The rivalry goes beyond size to spending. Argentina fans invested around ₹1.75 lakh for their 602-foot display, while Brazil supporters spent nearly ₹2.2 lakh for its 700-plus-foot structure.

Both facilities stand along the Kozhikode-Ooty road. The Argentina flex rises about 25 feet from the road, while the Brazil display is placed even closer to passing traffic.

Club football loyalties are not limited to just the two South American giants. Members who support Portugal and Croatia built a 60-foot Cristiano Ronaldo cutout and a 20-foot Croatia flex board.

“We will not be intimidated by Brazil’s records,” Mr Naseeb said. “We are already planning a 70-foot cutout of Lionel Messi.”

The towering displays turned Munda into a kind of football pilgrimage. Visitors come to photograph flex boards, shoot videos, take selfies and record interviews with club members for social media reels.

As the World Cup fever heats up, these reels take the story of the Jas Munda club and its extraordinary football rivalry far beyond Malappuram.

Published – 11 Jun 2026 22:16 IST