New Zealand defender Tim Payne’s profile on social media has exploded in recent days after an Argentine influencer considered him the least known player at the 2026 World Cup.
Valen Scarsini, known as “elscarso” on Instagram and TikTok, made a video encouraging his audience to like, comment and follow the Wellington Phoenix defender’s account.
In just a few days, Payne’s Instagram account went from 4,715 followers to 660,000, surpassing New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, All Blacks rugby star Ardie Savea, as well as Scarsini himself.
“I was wondering why my social media was blowing up and I found your post, man,” Payne said in the message to Scarsini.
“I appreciate the love! Thank you, brother.”
Payne made news in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic when he broke quarantine in Australia and was charged with drink driving for taking a ride in a golf cart with a teammate.
He was later fined $500 by a Sydney court, according to media reports.
The versatile 32-year-old has kept a relatively low profile since then and will look to increase his number of appearances for New Zealand, which currently stands at 50, at the World Cup after being included in the squad.
New Zealand opens against Iran in Los Angeles on June 15 and also faces Egypt and Belgium in group G.
