The “least known” player in the World Cup achieves widespread fame thanks to an Argentine influencer

The accounts of New Zealand national team defender Tim Paine’s social media accounts have witnessed huge traffic over the past few days, after an Argentine influencer decided that he is the least popular player in the FIFA World Cup.

Valin Scarcini, known as “El Scarso” on Instagram and TikTok, prepared a video clip in which he encourages his followers to like, follow and comment on the account of the defender of the Wellington Phoenix team and the New Zealand national team.

Within two days, the number of followers on Payne’s Instagram account rose from 4,715 followers to 660,000 followers, surpassing New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, New Zealand rugby star Ardi Savea, and Scarcini himself. Payne said in a message to Scarcini: “I was wondering what the big noise was on my social media accounts, and then I found your post, Oh.” Man,” he added, “I appreciate your love!” “Thank you, brother.” Payne made headlines in 2020 during the “Covid” pandemic, when he violated the quarantine in Australia, and was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, for driving a golf cart on a recreational tour with a teammate, and according to media reports, a court in Sydney imposed on him a fine of 700 Australian dollars ($498). Payne (32 years old) has largely disappeared from sight since then, and will seek to increase his tally of 50 international matches with New Zealand, after joining coach Darren Paisley’s World Cup squad. New Zealand, the lowest-ranked team in the World Cup, begins its tournament campaign against Iran in Los Angeles, on June 15, and will also face Egypt and Belgium in Group G.