‘Least known’ World Cup player goes viral with help from influencer

New Zealand defender Tim Payne’s social media profile has exploded over the last few days after an Argentine influencer decided he was the least known player at the World Cup.

SYDNEY — New Zealand defender Tim Payne’s social media profile has exploded over the last few days after an Argentine influencer decided he was the least known player at the World Cup.

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Valen Scarsini, known as “elscarso” on Instagram and TikTok, made a video encouraging his audience to give the Wellington Phoenix and All Whites defender’s account likes, comments and follows.

Add NBC News to GoogleU.S. men's national team unveils World Cup roster03:28In the space of a couple of days, Payne’s Instagram account went from 4,715 followers to 660,000 — outstripping New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.