Why did fans quickly demand Merlin be made official?

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Fans quickly demanded Merlin be made the new official Mexican mascot because his viral street appearances turned him into a widely loved symbol during Mexico’s World Cup run.
Merlin, a domesticated duck wearing a miniature Mexico shirt and custom duck socks, became an unofficial mascot after Mexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa in the World Cup opening game. During street celebrations on Mexico City’s busy Reforma Avenue, people recorded him on their cell phones and the footage went viral online, after which fans began demanding he be made the new official mascot for the World Cup.
His street appearances after Mexico’s 2-0 win sparked rapid online attention
Merlin’s fame took off during celebrations following Mexico’s 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match. As fans gathered to cheer Mexico’s goals, Merlin wandered among the crowd on Reforma Avenue, dressed in a Mexico shirt and custom duck socks, making him stand out in the public scene.
Viral cell phone footage helped him spread quickly beyond the street
Onlookers captured what they saw on their cell phones, and the video footage quickly went viral online. That fast spread helped turn an unexpected street sighting into a widely recognised figure for Mexico’s World Cup campaign.
Fans’ demand followed public affection shown during the celebrations
The story describes fans who were so taken by Merlin that they stopped to take selfies with him, treating him like a supporter in public spaces such as fountains. With that level of crowd enthusiasm visible during the celebrations, fans then pushed for Merlin to be made the new official Mexican mascot during the World Cup.
His growing role was centred on being loved as an unofficial supporter
Merlin’s owner, street merchant Karla Gomez, described the situation as a surprise and said people loved her duck. As his unofficial mascot status grew, the public response translated into direct calls for him to be recognised officially for the tournament.

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Why did fans quickly demand Merlin be made official?

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