'Ahora es un ídolo': Cómo Merlín, el pato, se convirtió en la 'mascota' viral de México en la Copa del Mundo

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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…