Discover the 'Most Under-the-Radar Athlete' of the 2026 World Cup, Who Amassed 4.9 Million Fans Following a Social Media Sensation

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New Zealand footballer Tim Payne met the influencer behind his stunning viral fame on Wednesday, presenting him with a team shirt after gaining almost five million Instagram followers in a week.

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Argentine social media giant Valen Scarsini, known as “El Scarso”, last week asked his fans to boost unheralded Payne’s following, calling him the “least known” player at the World Cup.

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It kicked off an online explosion of interest with Payne going from 4,000 followers to 4.9 million in a few days.

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The two met for the first time at New Zealand’s training camp in Florida, with Payne thanking Scarsini for his support.

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“It’s obviously good for myself and New Zealand football too,” Payne said.

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“It puts a light on us which is a positive thing but at the same time, for me, I don’t change.

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“I’m still the person I am, so I just keep trying to do what I do, which is play football and focus on trying to perform for my country.”

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Scarsini was asked, “Why me man?” by the defender who plays for Wellington Phoenix.

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“Fly to Argentina!” Scarsini told him.

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Payne’s Instagram account now has more followers than the rugby-obsessed country’s All Blacks team, who have a mere 2.8 million.

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Scarsini travelled to Florida to watch Payne and New Zealand in a pre-World Cup friendly at Inter Miami’s stadium on Tuesday, where they were beaten 4-0 by fellow World Cup qualifiers Haiti.

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New Zealand play England on Saturday in their final friendly before the World Cup begins.

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They will face Iran, Egypt and Belgium in World Cup Group G.

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