New Zealand’s World Cup defender Tim Payne found himself at the center of an unexpected social media phenomenon after a brief encounter with Argentine influencer Valen Scarsini.
Scarsini, known online as ‘El Scarso,’ used his platform to ask followers to amplify Payne’s profile, dubbing him the ‘least‑known’ player at the tournament.
A viral boost in a hotel lobby
The two met in the lobby of a hotel in Boca Raton, Florida, shortly after a match in nearby Fort Lauderdale where Payne had been playing for his club.
Payne later described the surge in attention as ‘very crazy,’ noting that the sudden influx of followers had been both surprising and humbling.
He added that the newfound visibility could help raise the profile of football back home, but stressed that his primary focus remains on delivering a strong performance on the field.
The pair exchanged plans to meet again in each other’s countries, hinting at a budding friendship that extends beyond the pitch.
New Zealand’s next World Cup fixture is scheduled for June 15 in Inglewood, California, where they will face Iran, a team that has yet to taste victory in the tournament’s history.
Despite a winless record in previous World Cup appearances in 1982 and 2010, Payne says the team is determined to break that streak.