A two-year-old duck named Merlin has become an internet sensation in Mexico City after being filmed celebrating Mexico's World Cup-opening victory over South Africa.
The bird, wearing national team colors during the parade, generated millions of social media views, as reported by The Guardian.
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Online commentators quickly embraced the viral animal as the tournament's first unofficial mascot.
Supporters expressed their enthusiasm across various digital platforms.
"We want to see Merlin in the stadium," wrote one user.
Another internet user shared the sentiment regarding the animal's new status.
"This duck is already a national treasure," said another.
A third commentator praised the pet amid the ongoing global football tournament.
"The best thing about the World Cup so far," declared a third.
Merlin's Daily Life and Family
The animal regularly joins its owner, Carla Gómez, who operates a weekend beverage cart in the historic center of the capital city.
Passing citizens frequently stop to greet the local celebrity and request photographs with it.
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"We don't like to leave him alone at home; we like him to be with us. He's our baby," Gómez said.
"He's the baby, the sole heir to all my possessions and now an idol."
The pet serves as an inseparable companion to Gómez's young son, Cristian, who originally received the duck as a gift.
The family frequently navigates landmarks like Alameda Central, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the Zócalo square together.
"Merlin had already become famous for selling bottled water," Gómez said.
The business owner expressed astonishment at how quickly the public embraced her pet during the sports celebrations.
"He is always with us; we never imagined he'd become such a sensation," she added. "We weren't expecting it."
The family hopes the bird brings continued luck to the co-host nation, which previously hosted the tournament in 1970 and 1986.
Gómez affirmed their support for the national football team as the international competition progresses.
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"Mexico, we are with you," Gómez said. "And Merlin is your No 1 fan."
