Fowl Play: Beloved Duck Barred from World Cup Match

Mexico's feathered fan favorite, Merlín the duck, has been grounded by FIFA regulations, preventing him from attending the country's match against Czechia. The two-year-old duck had become an unlikely symbol of El Tri's World Cup campaign, charming fans and media alike with his green Mexico jersey and charismatic personality. Despite being granted access to the Estadio Azteca grounds for a TV segment, Merlín was not allowed to watch the match due to FIFA's animal ban, aimed at protecting their wellbeing. His owner, Carla Gómez, expressed gratitude for the experience, saying, 'These last few days have been crazy, we'll never stop being grateful for what we've experienced.' Merlín's rise to fame has been nothing short of remarkable, with the duck participating in interviews, visiting TV studios, and even meeting Mexico's president. Although he won't be cheering from the stands, Gómez believes Merlín will still bring luck to the team, saying, 'Merlín is a lucky charm, and I know that, with him, the Mexican national team will win again today.' With his social media presence and international celebrity status, Merlín's legend is sure to endure, even if he can't attend the matches in person.