ROSEMARY ABBOTT | Sport
STATUS SHIFT
For years, the football world operated under the assumption that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were the gravitational centre of attention, pulling the lions’ share of headlines into their orbit.
That theory was challenged this week after both icons were seen quietly circulating a World Cup promo event that was described as “clear proximity-seeking behaviour” around New Zealand defender Tim Payne..
Payne, whose social media following has exploded thanks to an Argentine influencer’s campaign, arrived at a World Cup event to find the two football legends seemingly waiting nearby.
Witnesses say Ronaldo repeatedly positioned himself in the background of photos Payne was taking with fans.
Messi reportedly employed a more subtle strategy, standing close enough to Payne that followers scrolling Instagram might spot him.
Speaking to reporters, Ronaldo denied he was chasing clout.
“Look, Tim is obviously having a moment,” he explained.
“I’m not saying I’d like a collaboration or maybe a tagged post, but if he wanted to do something together I’d certainly be open to discussing it.”
Messi also played down suggestions he was trying to ride Payne’s wave of popularity.
“I’ve achieved a few things in football,” he said.
“But when somebody has over three million followers appear overnight, you pay attention. That’s the sort of growth people dream about.” said the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
For his part, Payne, in classic kiwi fashion saw the two megastars, turned to a team mate and said “do you see who that is?” but was then too shy to approach either of them.
More to come.
