VIRAL World Cup sensation Merlin the Duck took a peck at Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum after being introduced.
Merlin has shot to fame since beating spotted wearing a Mexico shirt during street celebrations of the co-hosts’ 2-0 win over South Africa.
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Merlin takes a peck at President Sheinbaum Credit: X
Sheinbaum, 63, poses with the Gomez family and Merlin Credit: EPA
Fans immediately took to Merlin, with the patriotic duck having become the World Cup’s unofficial mascot.
Such is Merlin’s newfound fame, that he was invited to meet President Sheinbaum.
And he quickly stole the show at the 63-year-old’s morning press conference in Mexico City.
Merlin waddled over to Sheinbaum, to the delight of onlookers.
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Merlin delighted fans by wearing a Mexico shirt Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
The patriotic duck has attracted plenty of interest Credit: Reuters
As she attempted to pet him, however, he attempted to take a peck at her.
Luckily Sheinbaum quickly drew her hand away and was not injured in the incident.
Merlin’s owner Carla Gomez subsequently spoke of her pride at being invited to meet her country’s president.
Gomez said: “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.”
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Merlin poses in a Fifa scarf Credit: Getty
Sheinbaum also gushed over new national hero Merlin.
She said: “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.”
Two-year-old Merlin loves being treated to a taco on Jattvibedays.
Gomez, meanwhile is a street vendor and is proud to be a working class Mexican.
Merlin was gifted to her by a customer and loves to help out.
Gomez added of Merlin’s newfound fame: “It has been the best thing that has happened to us in this life”.
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