Influencer Gives Unknown Player 4.8M Followers Before World Cup

Tim Payne had fewer than 5,000 Instagram followers a week ago. Then an Argentine influencer changed everything.

Valen Scarsini, known online as El Scarso, launched a campaign encouraging people to follow Payne as the "least-known" player heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The response was overwhelming. Payne's follower count skyrocketed to 4.8 million, surpassing even New Zealand's most famous athletes.

The two finally met in person on Wednesday morning at a hotel in Boca Raton, Florida. Scarsini had flown north to watch New Zealand's friendly match against Haiti the night before, where Payne played in the first half.

"I didn't know what to feel, because it's so foreign to me," Payne told Scarsini in footage shared by NZ Football. "I'm still processing, but it's amazing. I appreciate you doing it for me."

Payne greeted Scarsini with "cómo estás" in Spanish, then admitted with a laugh that his language skills ended there. The two exchanged an All Whites jersey and talked about visiting each other's countries someday.

Why This Inspires

Beyond the numbers, this story represents something bigger than viral fame. Payne isn't changing who he is despite the sudden spotlight. He's staying focused on what matters: representing his country at football's biggest stage.

"It's obviously good for myself and New Zealand football," Payne said. "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."

New Zealand faces Iran, Egypt, and Belgium in group play starting June 16. The team is chasing the country's first-ever men's World Cup win. Thanks to Scarsini's campaign, millions more people will be watching and cheering them on.

What started as a content creator's idea to spotlight an overlooked player has become a genuine friendship and a boost for an entire nation's football program.