Tim Payne meets Argentine influencer who sparked social media fame

All Whites defender Tim Payne, who has become an unlikely social media sensation ahead of the FIFA World Cup, has met the Argentine influencer behind his rise to fame.

Last week Argentine content creator Valen Scarsini, known online as El Scarso, dubbed Payne the World Cup’s “least known player” and declared his 4700-strong Instagram following needed a boost.

“Explode his posts with likes and comments. We need to start naming Tim Payne everywhere,” Scarsini told his followers.

Payne’s social media following quickly surged to more than 4.8 million — surpassing the follower counts of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, the All Blacks and the All Whites.

A video shared on Instagram on Thursday showed Payne and Scarsini meeting for the first time after the viral movement catapulted the All Whites defender into the global spotlight.

“The past week has been a crazy ride but thanks to @elscarso for everything he has done for myself, my family and NZ football,” Payne in the post's caption.

In the video, Scarsini asked Payne what it was like when his phone began flooding with notifications.

“I didn’t know what to feel, because it’s so foreign to me,” the All Whites No. 2 replied.

“Still processing, but it’s amazing.

“It’s good for myself, and New Zealand football too. It puts a light on us, which is a positive thing.”

Payne also thanked Scarsini for his support by presenting him with a signed All Whites No. 2 jersey.

The meeting comes after a difficult outing for the All Whites, who suffered a 4-0 defeat to Haiti in a World Cup warm-up match yesterday.

New Zealand's final match before the World Cup is against European heavyweights England in Tampa Bay on Sunday morning, kick off 8am NZT.

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