Influencer Poncho de Nigris has offered up to 800,000 pesos to purchase Pato Merlín, a duck that went viral in Mexico City [2].

The bid highlights the intersection of social media fame and commercial opportunism during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. By targeting a viral animal, de Nigris is attempting to monetize a fleeting cultural moment for personal or business gain.

Pato Merlín gained international attention after being spotted walking along Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City wearing a Mexican national team jersey [2]. The duck became a symbol of the tournament's local atmosphere, attracting thousands of views and followers across digital platforms.

De Nigris, a TV host and influencer from Monterrey, initially offered 500,000 pesos to acquire the bird [1]. He later increased that offer to 800,000 pesos [2]. Regarding his intentions for the animal, de Nigris said, "Voy por él" [1].

The bid has sparked controversy due to the influencer's stated goals for the purchase. De Nigris said the acquisition is a business opportunity and expressed a desire to keep the duck [1]. Specifically, he said he wants the bird for future taxidermy [2].

This move follows a pattern of high-value bids for viral pets, where the animal's market value is driven by internet visibility rather than biological rarity. The offer remains a point of contention among animal welfare advocates and fans of the bird, who view Pato Merlín as a mascot of the event rather than a commodity [2].

“"Voy por él"”

This incident illustrates the 'viral economy,' where digital visibility is converted into tangible financial offers. The desire to taxidermy the animal suggests a shift from treating the duck as a living mascot to treating it as a collectible asset, reflecting how influencers leverage trending topics to maintain relevance and create unique business ventures.