New Zealand defender Tim Payne has become an unlikely soccer superstar after an influencer from Argentina called on his followers to unite and make the little-known 32-year-old a “hero” of the upcoming World Cup.

Argentine creator Valen Scarsini rallies more than 1 million followers to support the Wellington Phoenix defender for being the "least known" player at the tournament.

The Kiwi footballer's Instagram following has been boosted by 400,000 in 24 hours.