Full Breakdown
Merlin the Duck Steals Spotlight at President Sheinbaum’s News Briefing
6/23/2026, 1:45:21 AM
The Unexpected Guest at the National Palace
On Monday, June 22 2026, a mallard wearing the green jersey of Mexico’s national soccer team waddled into President Claudia Sheinbaum’s daily press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City. The duck, known locally as Merlín, took a seat facing reporters before the president began her remarks, instantly becoming the focal point of the briefing. President Sheinbaum briefly tried to pet the bird and posed for a photograph with the duck’s caretakers before cutting off questions to resume the scheduled agenda.
Background: World Cup Fever and Working-Class Visibility
The appearance coincided with heightened enthusiasm for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, for which Mexico is a co-host. Carla Gómez, a street vendor who sells water and soft drinks near the historic centre, introduced her family as “the working part of Mexico,” positioning Merlín as an unofficial mascot that resonated with fans and highlighted the daily realities of working-class citizens.
Key Participants
- President Claudia Sheinbaum – Head of state who hosted the briefing.
- Carla Gómez – Owner of Merlín, street-vendor, and family spokesperson.
- Carlos Gómez (22) and Cristian Gómez (14) – Gómez’s sons who assist with the family business and helped carry the duck.
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Unit of Pachuca – Government-run agency that issued a cautionary statement after the event.
Timeline of the Event
- June 22 2026 – Merlín enters the press conference, sits beside the lectern, and is introduced by Gómez.
- During the briefing – President Sheinbaum attempts to pet the duck; questions are halted to keep the schedule.
- Later that day – Social-media users criticize the focus on the duck while families of missing persons continue protests.
- Subsequent Facebook post – The Pachuca wildlife unit warns that viral fame can lead to “impulse purchases and abandonment.”
Data & Statistics
- Carlos Gómez, 22 years old; Cristian Gómez, 14 years old.
- Pachuca is located approximately 90 kilometres (55 miles) north of Mexico City.
- The duck’s diet includes small fish, crickets and, on Sundays, a meat taco.
Official Statements & Responses
President Sheinbaum’s brief interaction with Merlín was not accompanied by a formal comment; the press conference resumed after she cut off questions. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Unit of Pachuca posted, “Animals do not need owners for fashion; they need responsible caretakers,” urging the public to consider the welfare implications of sudden animal fame.
Criticism & Opposition
Online commentary highlighted that the duck’s prominence eclipsed ongoing demonstrations by relatives of missing persons, who have been seeking a face-to-face meeting with the president since the tournament began. Wildlife advocates also warned that the viral exposure could encourage impulsive pet acquisitions and subsequent abandonment.
On-the-Ground Perspective
Gómez emphasized her family’s hard-working ethos, describing Merlín as “the boss of our little business” who “follows behind us, making sure we’re working and doing things the right way.” She added that the duck’s appearance has been “the best thing that has happened to us in this life.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No direct statement from President Sheinbaum addressing the criticism or the wildlife agency’s warning has been released, leaving a gap in official policy on animal appearances at governmental events.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are the working part" of Mexico, she said.” — Carla Gómez, street vendor
- “the boss of our little business. He's the one who follows behind us, making sure we're working and doing things the right way.” — Carla Gómez
- “It has been the best thing that has happened to us in this life,” — Carla Gómez
- “Animals do not need owners for fashion; they need responsible caretakers,” — Wildlife Rehabilitation Unit of Pachuca
Why It Matters
The incident illustrates how World Cup enthusiasm can amplify everyday stories, shaping public perception of socioeconomic groups while simultaneously raising concerns about animal welfare and media priorities during a high-profile international event.
What’s Next
The wildlife agency’s caution may prompt municipal guidelines on the use of animals in public ceremonies, and continued advocacy from missing-persons groups is likely to pressure the administration for a formal response.
