He’s already one of the emerging faces of the tournament – and Merlin the duck’s 15 minutes of fame are not up yet.
The pet duck in a mini Mexico shirt who has become a viral sensation and an unofficial mascot of the World Cup has now met Mexico’s president on Monday.
The duck waddled on to the stage at the start of Claudia Sheinbaum’s regular morning press conference, took a seat where ministers and officials are usually seen, and, unfazed by the occasion, let out a few quacks.
“We feel very honoured to be here with the president; it is an honour for us to stand before you and for the whole world to see the beautiful side of Mexico,” said Karla Gomez, Merlin’s owner.
Merlin’s fame was ignited during street celebrations after the co-hosts beat South Africa 2-0 in the opening game on June 11, when the costumed duck was seen wandering among the crowd on the capital’s bustling Reforma avenue. Since then, Merlin has become one of the stars of the World Cup.
