Mexico was celebrating its victory in the World Cup opener against South Africa on Thursday when Merlin, a 2-year-old duck dressed in the national team’s colors, became an unexpected internet sensation and the tournament’s first unofficial mascot.
Images of Merlin parading through Mexico City, wearing a Mexican national team jersey — and socks — while thousands of fans celebrated, quickly went viral and accumulated millions of views on social media. Overnight, and as if by the magic of the famous wizard who inspired his name, Merlin had captivated the internet.
“We want to see Merlin in the stadium,” wrote one user.
“This duck is already a national treasure,” said another.
“The best thing about the World Cup so far,” declared a third.
In Mexico City, however, Merlin was already something of a local celebrity.
The duck, a regular presence at fairs and events in the city’s historic center, frequently accompanies his owner, Carla Gómez, who sells water and soft drinks from a small cart every weekend. Along the way, the animal sparks joyful squeals, affectionate greetings, and enthusiastic requests from passersby to take photos with him.
“We don’t like leaving him home alone; we like having him with us. He’s our baby,” Gómez said. “He is the baby, the sole heir to all my belongings, and now an idol.”
Rain or shine, Merlin follows Gómez and her young son, Cristian, through some of the capital’s most famous landmarks, including Alameda Central, Bellas Artes Palace, and the Zócalo square. The duck shares an especially close bond with Cristian, for whom he was originally a gift, and has become what Gómez describes as the boy’s inseparable companion.
“Merlin had already become famous for selling bottled water,” Gómez said, recalling her surprise at her pet’s sudden rise to fame.
“He’s always with us; we never imagined he would become such a sensation,” she added. “We didn’t expect it.”
Gómez and Merlin met with FIFA representatives on Monday to take photos and film a commercial.
Now, the family hopes that Mexico’s famous feathered supporter can continue bringing luck to the host nation, which is hosting the World Cup for the third time after previously staging the tournament in 1970 and 1986, this time as a co-host alongside Canada and the United States.
“Mexico, we are with you,” Gómez said. “And Merlin is your number one fan.”
Source: msn
