World Cup's "Least-Known" Player Gets a Surprise Meeting with His Viral Booster
Tim Payne, the New Zealand defender who became an unlikely social media sensation, met the Argentine influencer who launched him to fame.
"It's very crazy. I'm still processing it all."
— Tim Payne, on his sudden rise to internet fame
The meeting took place at the team hotel in Boca Raton, Florida, just one day after New Zealand's 4-0 friendly loss to Haiti. Payne met with Argentine influencer Valen Scarsini, known online as "El Scarso," who had previously rallied his followers to support the player.
Scarsini had called Payne the "least-known" player at the 2023 FIFA World Cup due to his minuscule social media following. Since that viral request, Payne's Instagram following has exploded from under 5,000 to over 5 million.
Payne gifted Scarsini an All Whites jersey signed with his number 2. The influencer described the fame boost as a "positive thing" for both himself and New Zealand football, adding that he does not intend to change because of the attention.
What's Next for Payne and the All Whites?
New Zealand faces a tough path ahead. They are drawn in Group G alongside Iran, Belgium, and Egypt. The nation has never won a match at the World Cup, having previously qualified in 1982 and 2010.
While the team's on-field challenges remain significant, Payne's off-pitch story has captured global attention, bringing a unique spotlight to the All Whites as they prepare for the tournament.