A viral connection at the World Cup
When Argentine influencer Valen Scarsini posted a video urging his followers to back a little‑known New Zealand footballer, few could have imagined the cascade that would follow.
Tim Payne, a defender who had been traveling with the All Whites in Florida, was approached by Scarsini at the team’s hotel in Boca Raton after a match in Fort Lauderdale. The two exchanged a brief conversation that would soon turn into a global phenomenon.
Within hours, Scarsini’s call to action sparked a surge in Payne’s Instagram audience, lifting the follower count from a modest 5,000 to more than 5 million. Payne later described the reaction as “very crazy,” noting that the sudden attention was both surreal and exhilarating.
The buzz didn’t stop at numbers. The pair met in person, exchanged gifts, and promised future visits to each other’s countries. Payne presented Scarsini with an All Whites jersey signed by the entire squad, while Scarsini sent a collection of Argentine memorabilia in return.
New Zealand’s participation in the tournament marks only its third appearance at the World Cup, having previously qualified in 1982 and 2010. The team is slated to open Group G play against Iran in Inglewood, California, on June 15, with Belgium and Egypt also sharing the group.
Beyond personal fame, Payne sees the unexpected spotlight as an opportunity to raise the profile of football back home. He emphasized that the surge in visibility could benefit the sport’s development in New Zealand, a sentiment echoed by local officials.
In a statement to the press, Payne thanked Scarsini for the unexpected boost and reflected on how the experience has reshaped his perspective on social media’s power. He also hinted at upcoming collaborations, suggesting that the connection could open doors for both athletes and influencers alike.