New Zealand national football team All Whites' defender Tim Payne has become an unlikely internet star after his Instagram following jumped from under 5,000 to 5.6 million in a matter of days. This sudden rise to fame came after Argentine influencer Valen Scarsini, known online as 'El Scarso', urged his fans to support Payne. As a result, Payne's Instagram account climbed past 5 million followers, making him one of the most unexpected viral stories leading into the FIFA World Cup. The idea behind Scarsini's campaign was simple: take a player with a small online audience and turn him into a fan favorite before the tournament even started. Payne, 32, plays for New Zealand's national team, known as the All Whites, and was not a household name for many fans outside New Zealand before the online campaign. The movement spread quickly, pushing Payne's follower count into the millions in just a few days. Payne later met Scarsini in person and thanked him for the sudden wave of support. According to ESPN, Payne described the experience as 'very crazy' and said he was still processing the attention. He also said the attention was good for both himself and New Zealand football, while adding that the viral fame would not change who he is as a player. New Zealand is in Group G at the FIFA World Cup, along with Iran, Belgium, and Egypt. Payne's sudden online fame means more fans may be watching New Zealand's matches with a new reason to follow along. The All Whites will be looking to make a strong impression in the tournament, and with Payne's newfound fame, they may have a larger platform to do so. As the FIFA World Cup approaches, fans will be keeping a close eye on New Zealand national football team All Whites and their star player Tim Payne. With his newfound fame, Payne will be looking to make a lasting impact on the tournament. The team's performance in the World Cup will be crucial in determining their success, and with Payne's increased following, they may have the support they need to make a deep run in the tournament.