Milei backs Bolsonaro's son in challenge to Lula

In Argentina and Brazil around 26 July 2026, Milei was in a diplomatic dispute with Lula. Milei called the Brazilian government 'thieving socialists', according to The Telegraph. He accused Brazil, Mexico and the US Democratic Party of financing an 'anti-Argentine campaign', which El Universal noted he did without evidence, and he accused Lula of financing it. El Mundo called it the worst diplomatic crisis in decades between the two leaders.

Kassab criticized Milei's insult to Moraes and said the Argentine should be more restrained. Milei's speech and presence at Flávio Bolsonaro's convention drew attention, and Il Giornale wrote that Milei is sponsoring Bolsonaro Jr's challenge to Lula. In Argentina, Milei also confronted De Mendiguren, an ex-minister under Duhalde, on air, saying 'Vos, sí, ladrón'.