Merlin the duck, dressed in a Mexican national soccer team jersey, stole the spotlight at President Claudia Sheinbaum's daily press briefing at the National Palace in Mexico City on Monday, June 22, 2026.
Duck Accompanied by Caretakers
Merlin attended the conference along with his caretakers Carla Gomez and her sons Carlos and Christian, who held the duck. The appearance was captured by AP photographer Marco Ugarte.
Sheinbaum's Press Conference
The duck's presence lightened the atmosphere at the briefing, which typically covers serious political and social issues. President Sheinbaum, shown second from left in the photo, did not comment directly on Merlin's appearance but continued with the scheduled agenda.
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