Brazil has recalled its ambassador from Buenos Aires after Argentine President Javier Milei publicly insulted Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during a political rally in São Paulo on Sunday, July 26, 2026. The move marks a sharp escalation in tensions between the two South American neighbors.
Milei's Insults at São Paulo Rally
Milei appeared at an event to launch the presidential campaign of Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is running in Brazil's October election. Though he did not name Lula directly, Milei referred to the Brazilian leader as a 'thief' and a 'convict,' according to the BBC. He added that Flávio Bolsonaro was the only person capable of stopping Lula.
The Argentine president also directed insults at Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, calling him 'bald trash.' Moraes had previously denied Milei's request to visit former President Jair Bolsonaro during the latter's period of house arrest in Brasília.
Brazil's Diplomatic Response
Brazilian diplomats condemned the remarks, stating that Milei had gone beyond personal attacks and had insulted Brazil's government, its people, and the country's democratic institutions. Ambassador Julio Bitelli was expected to leave Buenos Aires and return to Brazil between Sunday and Monday, according to AFP.
Speaking on Sunday, Lula made clear he had no intention of yielding to external pressure. 'In Brazil, we do not accept anyone sticking their nose where it doesn't belong,' he said, adding that he would continue to govern 'without anyone's interference.'
Background to the Dispute
Flávio Bolsonaro is the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was sentenced last year to more than 27 years in prison after being convicted of plotting a coup to prevent the transfer of power following his 2022 election defeat to Lula. Justice Moraes presided over that case.
Milei's reference to Lula as a 'convict' carries a specific political context. In 2018, Lula received a 12-year prison sentence in connection with a large corruption and bribery scandal, but he served just over 18 months before being released. Brazil's Supreme Court annulled his convictions in 2021, and in the 2022 presidential election he narrowly defeated Jair Bolsonaro with 50.9% of the vote.
The recall of the ambassador is one of the strongest diplomatic actions Brazil has taken against Argentina under Lula. Relations between the two countries have been strained since Milei, a right-wing populist, took office in 2023 and frequently criticized Lula's policies. This incident marks the most direct personal attack by Milei on the Brazilian president.
