Overview
- An Argentine influencer known as Valen Scarsini or “El Scarso” asked followers last week to back the least-known World Cup player and focused that request on New Zealand defender Tim Payne.
- Payne’s Instagram exploded from only a few thousand followers to reported totals in the multiple millions, with outlets citing figures ranging roughly from about 4 million to more than 5 million as the numbers continued to shift.
- Following Tuesday’s warm-up friendly against Haiti in Fort Lauderdale, the influencer watched the match and then met Payne at the team hotel in Boca Raton the next morning for hugs, photos and an exchange of a signed All Whites jersey.
- Payne called the attention “very crazy” and “amazing” and said he is still processing the surge but will stay focused on playing for New Zealand and on his World Cup role.
- The episode highlights how quick platform-driven campaigns can change media and commercial interest in under-the-radar players and it signals that sudden online fame may boost team visibility without altering on-field selection or responsibilities.