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The Unlikely Meeting Merlin, the pet duck in a mini Mexico shirt who has become a viral sensation and an unofficial mascot of the World Cup, met Mexico's president on Monday. The Event Details The duck waddled onto the stage at the start of Claudia Sheinbaum's regular morning press conference, took a seat where ministers and officials are usually seen, and unfazed by the occasion, let out a few quacks. “We feel very honoured to be here with the president, it is an honour for us to stand before you and for the whole world to see the beautiful side of Mexico,” said Karla Gómez, Merlin's owner. The Data Analysis Merlin's fame was ignited during street celebrations after the co-hosts beat South Africa 2-0 in the opening game on 11 June, when the costumed duck was seen wandering among the crowd on the capital's bustling Reforma avenue. Since then, Merlin has become one of the stars of the World Cup. The Impact Analysis Gómez said she is hoping to make Merlin a registered trademark and that his newfound fame can help their family, especially her eldest son who has a mental illness. Sheinbaum said Merlin's family will receive assistance without providing details. “Today we brought the family that has Merlin the duck as their pet, because he has been a symbol of the World Cup, a symbol of what Mexican families stand for, of who we are as Mexican families, and that is above all else, it is what the world is seeing from Mexico today,” Sheinbaum said. The Prediction Merlin's fame is likely to continue growing, and it will be interesting to see how his owners capitalize on his viral sensation status. With the possibility of becoming a registered trademark, Merlin's future as a symbol of Mexico and the World Cup looks bright.