Merlin, a domesticated duck in a Mexico shirt and custom duck socks, went viral during World Cup celebrations in Estadio Ciudad de México. The bird drew attention on Reforma Avenue after Mexico's 2-0 win over South Africa in the opening game.
Footage of Merlin spread online after onlookers recorded the scene on their cell phones. Fans quickly pushed for the duck to become the official Mexican mascot during the World Cup.
Karla Gomez On The Attention
Karla Gomez said the day felt ordinary before Merlin's rise. “It was a normal day for us,” she said. “We thought we were passing by unnoticed, because obviously we never thought Merlin would have that boom.”
Gomez also said, “We are very respectful.” She added, “We respect the (Mexico City mascot) axolotl as much as the (FIFA) jaguar,” and, “We don't like controversy, honestly.”
Christian And Reforma Avenue
Gomez usually sells beverages in Mexico City's streets with her son Christian and Merlin. She said, “I'm Merlin's mum.” “I already consider myself as such,” she said, and added, “For us it has been a surprise, truly.”
The attention has not stayed online. Fans frequently stop Gomez's family for selfies with Merlin, and the duck has also been seen cooling off in public fountains. That kind of visibility has turned a street companion into an unofficial symbol for Mexico's World Cup campaign without any formal role attached to it.
Whether Merlin Becomes Official
Merlin recently chose Mexico over South Korea when presented with both flags, and Mexico beat South Korea 1-0 on Thursday in Group A. Mexico was scheduled to face the Czech Republic on June 24.
Gomez called Merlin “the unofficial mascot of the World Cup” and said, “we feel very pleased about such a situation and above all that people love my duck.” Whether Merlin will receive any official mascot role or remain only a fan favorite is still the unresolved part of the story.
