Milei and Lula trade insults as Argentina-Brazil relations sour

In late July 2026, the long-simmering feud between Argentine President Javier Milei and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva escalated. Milei has repeatedly insulted Lula, who in turn mocked Milei, asking "Who is that guy?" The Argentine government acknowledged the poor relationship between the two leaders and confirmed Milei would address the nation about central bank reform. Brazil's vice president called Milei's insults "regrettable" and said they harm Argentina itself.