New Zealand defender Tim Payne’s social media following has surged dramatically after a popular Argentinian influencer encouraged fans to support him online.

Payne’s Instagram account grew from around 4,000 followers to nearly five million within a week after influencer Valen Scarsini, better known as “El Scarso”, urged his audience to follow the All Whites player.

The pair met for the first time at New Zealand’s training camp in Florida on Wednesday, where Payne expressed his appreciation by presenting El Scarso with a signed New Zealand jersey.

Reflecting on the unexpected rise in popularity, Payne said the attention has been beneficial not only for him but also for football in New Zealand.

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

“It shines a spotlight on us, which is a positive thing. But personally, nothing has changed. I’m still the same person.”

Despite his newfound fame, Payne insisted his focus remains firmly on football and helping his country succeed on the international stage.

“My priority is to keep doing what I do best — playing football and concentrating on performing for New Zealand,” he added.

Payne’s remarkable rise in popularity on Instagram has made him one of New Zealand’s most-followed sporting figures. With nearly five million followers, he now ranks behind only Israel Adesanya among New Zealand sports personalities on the platform.

His follower count has overtaken that of Kane Williamson, who has 3.3 million followers, as well as the New Zealand national rugby union team, whose account has around 2.8 million followers.

While Payne’s profile has soared off the pitch, New Zealand’s preparations for the World Cup have been less encouraging. The All Whites suffered a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Haiti national football team in a warm-up match on Wednesday.

They will have one final opportunity to fine-tune their preparations when they face England national football team on Sunday before the World Cup gets underway.

New Zealand have been drawn in a challenging group alongside Iran, Egypt and Belgium.