Duck, duck, goal: bird dressed in Mexico’s World Cup jersey scores on social media

Lead

A two-year-old duck named Merlin, who has become an unlikely celebrity during the World Cup in Mexico, was barred from attending the national team's match against Czechia on Wednesday due to FIFA regulations, as reported by The Guardian. Merlin, who wears a green Mexico jersey and socks, has captured the hearts of fans and become a social media phenomenon, but his stadium debut was cut short.

Coverage Comparison

The Guardian and The New York Times both covered Merlin's rise to fame, focusing on his role as a beloved companion to his owner, Carla Gómez, who sells beverages from a cart in Mexico City. The Guardian's report highlighted the FIFA regulations that prevented Merlin from watching the match, while The New York Times emphasized his status as an internet sensation and local celebrity. Both outlets described Merlin's charm and charisma as central to his appeal, with The Guardian noting his transformation into a "folk hero" and "symbol" of Mexico's World Cup campaign.

Key Claims

• Merlin is a two-year-old duck who wears a Mexico jersey and socks, as reported by both The Guardian and The New York Times.
• He accompanies his owner, Carla Gómez, as she sells beverages from a cart in Mexico City, a detail confirmed by both outlets.
• Merlin has become an internet sensation, with images of him going viral and millions of views across social media, according to The Guardian and The New York Times.
• The Guardian reported that Merlin was barred from entering the stadium for the match against Czechia due to FIFA regulations prohibiting animals from venues to safeguard their wellbeing. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed he was allowed on the perimeter but not inside.
• The Guardian also reported that Merlin has met Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, and that his owner believes he is a lucky charm for the national team.
• The New York Times noted that Merlin has a close bond with Carla Gómez's son, Cristian, for whom he was originally a gift, and that he enjoys eating carnitas tacos, a detail also mentioned by The Guardian.

Perspectives

Carla Gómez (Merlin's owner)

Carla Gómez views Merlin as a beloved family member and a lucky charm for the Mexican national team. She told The Guardian, "Merlin is a lucky charm, and I know that, with him, the Mexican national team will win again today." She also expressed gratitude for the attention, saying, "These last few days have been crazy, we'll never stop being grateful for what we've experienced."

FIFA

FIFA's regulations prohibit animals from entering stadium venues to protect their wellbeing, as explained by a spokesperson who confirmed Merlin was permitted to enter the perimeter but not the stadium itself. The spokesperson did not offer further comment, as reported by The Guardian.