Haiti New Zealand Soccer

New Zealand defender Tim Payne throws in the ball during the first half of an international friendly soccer match against Haiti, Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

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Viral New Zealand soccer star meets Argentine social media influencer who boosted following to 5M

Viral New Zealand soccer star meets Argentine social media influencer who boosted following to 5M

Tim Payne has become a viral sensation thanks to influencer Valen Scarsini. The New Zealand defender met Scarsini on Wednesday after the Argentinian, known as “El Scarso,” asked his fans to support Payne, calling him the “least-known” World Cup player. Payne's Instagram following has since skyrocketed from under 5,000 to over 5 million. Scarsini watched Payne's team, the All Whites, lose to Haiti in a friendly on Tuesday. The next day, they met at the team hotel. Payne expressed gratitude for the support, calling the experience “very crazy.” New Zealand plays Iran in its World Cup opener on June 15.