During a recent press briefing in Mexico City President Claudia Sheinbaum found herself sharing the stage with an unexpected guest — a bright‑green‑jerseyed duck named Merlín who had become the country’s unofficial World Cup mascot.
A Feathered Mascot in the Spotlight
The duck waddled onto the podium wearing a green jersey of Mexico’s national soccer team and a FIFA‑branded tie, drawing gasps from reporters and a flurry of camera clicks.
Carla Gómez, a street vendor who sells water and soft drinks, introduced her family to the nation, describing them as hard‑working representatives of countless Mexican families.
Her sons Carlos and Cristian, ages twenty‑two and fourteen, help her run the modest business, while Merlín, whom they consider the boss of the operation, is fed small fish crickets and occasionally a meat taco.
The Cost of Viral Fame
Wildlife advocates from the Wildlife Rehabilitation Unit of Pachuca warned that the spotlight could fuel impulse purchases of pet ducks and later abandonment when the novelty fades.
The agency emphasized that animals require responsible caretakers and that viral fame often brings unintended consequences for both the creatures and their owners.
A Working‑Class Narrative
Beyond the spectacle the episode highlighted a broader narrative about working‑class resilience, with Gómez positioning her family’s story as a reflection of Mexico’s broader economic realities.
President Sheinbaum attempted to pet Merlín and posed for a photo with the family, a moment that was captured and shared widely across news outlets.
While the public reaction was mixed, the incident sparked a conversation about the intersection of politics wildlife and social media culture in contemporary Mexico.