A 2-year-old duck named Merlin has become an unlikely internet sensation after Mexico’s World Cup-opening victory over South Africa. Merlin, dressed in the Mexican national team’s colors, was seen parading through Mexico City, attracting delighted squeals and affectionate greetings from passersby.

A Local Celebrity

In Mexico City, Merlin was already a local celebrity, regularly accompanying his owner, Carla Gómez, to fairs and events in the historic city center. Gómez sells water and soft drinks from a little cart each weekend, and Merlin attracts plenty of attention, with people eager to take photos with him.

Merlin shares a close bond with Gómez’s young son, Cristian, for whom he was originally a gift. According to Gómez, Merlin is the boy’s inseparable companion. The family hopes Merlin can continue bringing luck to the host nation, which is staging the World Cup for the third time.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.