Recent violence clouds World Cup matches in Mexico

Death of drug cartel leader sparks wave of unrest, causing fans to rethink travel plans.

- BY EDUARD CAUICH

ULISES RUIZ AFP

A COUNTDOWN CLOCK to the World Cup ticks on as a man rides a bicycle past the Guadalajara Cathedral.

Gerardo Tavárez has been counting down the days for months.

The 25-year-old Los Angeles resident planned the perfect summer for his family.

He will get married on June 6, five days before the start of the World Cup. His honeymoon will be in Mexico, where he will watch the Mexican national team's debut at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City and a second match between Mexico and South Korea in Guadalajara, alongside his father, brother, wife and young son.

The plan seemed set in stone. Until this week.

After the Mexican army killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel known as “El Mencho,” violence erupted in the state of Jalisco on Sunday, including roadblocks and vehicle fires. Images of smoke rising over Guadalajara quickly circulated on social media, sowing doubts among some planning to travel to Mexico for the World Cup.

According to Mexican authorities, more than 60 people, including 25 soldiers, died during the operation to capture the criminal leader.

"I'm more than worried. I'm nervous. I'm scared," said Tavárez, born in Los Angeles to parents from Jalisco and a diehard fan of the Mexican national team.

Tavárez already has invested nearly $10,000 per person in tickets and related expenses. Even so, he acknowledges he has considered canceling the trip.

“I've discussed it with my family. It’s a possibility. ... ’'d prefer everything to return to normal,” Tavarez said. “I’ve been to Guadalajara many times, but now I have a fiancée and a son. I’m responsible for them. I have to think about it.”