‘He’s now an idol’: How Merlin the duck became Mexico’s viral World Cup ‘mascot’
Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez may have scored for Mexico, but Merlin the duck stole the show
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Mexico's World Cup-opening victory over South Africa saw goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, but it was an unexpected feathered friend who truly stole the show.
Merlin, a two-year-old duck, swiftly became an internet sensation and the tournament’s inaugural unofficial mascot.
Dressed in the national team’s colours, complete with a miniature jersey and socks, Merlin paraded through Mexico City amidst thousands of jubilant fans.
Images of the sartorially splendid duck quickly went…
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