New Zealand Defender Tim Payne Thanks Argentine Influencer for Viral Fame Surge

Tim Payne was eager to embrace Valen Scarsini and express his gratitude—though he had a lot more than just a simple "thank you" to offer. Following a boost from Scarsini, the New Zealand soccer player saw his social media following skyrocket from nearly 5,000 to over 5 million. This remarkable surge came after Scarsini, an Argentine influencer known as “El Scarso,” urged his followers to support Payne, whom he labeled as the “least-known” player at the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The two met on Wednesday after Scarsini attended a friendly match in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where New Zealand's team, the All Whites, suffered a 4-0 defeat to Haiti. The following morning, the influencer arrived at the team hotel in Boca Raton to connect with Payne. “My friend!” Scarsini exclaimed as he walked in. “How are you?” to which Payne joyfully replied, “I'm good, bro, yourself?” The pair shared an enthusiastic hug, marking the beginning of a memorable encounter.

Payne, who humorously revealed that his Spanish was limited to the phrase “Cómo estás?” thanked Scarsini for the unexpected turn of events, describing it as “very crazy.” He stated, “I didn’t know what to feel, you know, because it’s so foreign to me. Still processing, but it’s amazing. And I appreciate you doing it for me, you know?”

When asked about the timing of his newfound fame just ahead of the World Cup, Payne acknowledged, “It’s obviously good for myself and New Zealand football, too. It puts a light on us, which is a positive thing, but at the same time, for me, I don’t change. I’m still the person I am. I just keep trying to do what I do, which is play football and trying to perform for my country.”

Scarsini extended an invitation for Payne to visit Argentina, while also expressing his desire to travel to New Zealand one day. Before parting, Payne presented Scarsini with a signed All Whites jersey featuring his number 2, and the two took photos together, sharing another heartfelt hug.

New Zealand is set to begin its Group G campaign at the World Cup against Iran on June 15 in Inglewood, California, alongside Belgium and Egypt. This tournament marks the All Whites' third World Cup appearance, having previously qualified in 1982 and 2010 without securing a win.