Viral duck's family receives home in Mexico after World Cup fame

The Mexican government has granted a home on credit to the family of Merlín, a duck that became a national sensation during the World Cup. Merlín achieved viral fame after being filmed wearing a miniature Mexican national team jersey while accompanying its owner, Karla Ivette Gómez, a street vendor.

The duck was subsequently named a FIFA ambassador in Mexico, appearing in media outlets and on the Mexican national team's social media. President Claudia Sheinbaum even invited Gómez and Merlín to her daily press conference in June.

Gómez shared her living situation with the president, explaining her need for assistance. "You asked me if I needed anything and I told you my situation," Gómez said during a video call at the press conference. "I showed you photos of where we lived, where we bathed, and you told us you would be able to help us."

Sheinbaum intervened with the Mexico City government to enroll the family in a local social housing program, offering favorable credit terms. "All I wanted was for you to help me, listen to me, and for me to pay for my house for my children with my work," Gómez stated. "We lived in a shop; we didn't say this for fear that the delegation might take it away."

The president responded that Merlín and the family had become "a symbol of the country," highlighting their unexpected rise to prominence and the government's subsequent support.