Duck Waddles Into Mexico City News Briefing Wearing National Team Jersey

A duck named Merlín entered a presidential news briefing in Mexico City wearing Mexico's green national soccer jersey and a FIFA tie. The duck, described as the country's unofficial World Cup mascot, waddled ahead of the president and took a seat facing reporters. Its owner, street vendor Carla Gómez, answered questions on the family's behalf.

Gómez introduced her sons, 22-year-old Carlos and 14-year-old Cristian, who helps sell goods after school. " The family feeds the duck small fish, crickets, and occasionally a meat taco on Sundays. Gómez noted that previous ducks, including one named Bruna that wore tennis shoes, had also gained local attention.

The president paused the briefing to pet the duck and pose for a photo with the family before resuming questions. Gómez said the attention has been "the best thing that has happened to us in this life." She attributed the family's viral moment to public recognition of "a hard-working family, a family that gets up every day to make ends meet."