Milei accuses Brazil of funding anti-Argentina campaign during World Cup

Argentine President Javier Milei has accused the Brazilian government of financing a campaign against Argentina on social media during the World Cup. This accusation surfaced hours after Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned its ambassador from Argentina for consultations, in response to insults Milei directed at Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

"Do you know who put more money into this anti-Argentina campaign? The Government of Brazil, 25% of the resources came from there," Milei stated in an interview with Radio Mitre. He referred to a series of criticisms against Argentina circulating on social media, including allegations of biased refereeing during the World Cup and accusations that Argentina is a racist country.

Milei asserted that Argentina is currently an "emblem of freedom" and that the media attacks are due to its role as a "beacon of the West." He claimed these actions challenge the policies of "thieves" who use the state to enrich themselves.

The Argentine president's statements followed Brazil's decision to recall its ambassador, Julio Bitelli, after Milei's Saturday remarks during the proclamation of Flávio Bolsonaro's candidacy for the October elections. During his speech, Milei harshly criticized Lula da Silva, labeling him a "thief" and accusing him of spreading socialism in Latin America and leading Brazil toward a fiscal crisis. Milei was in Brazil to support his ally Bolsonaro, who is trailing in polls against the incumbent Lula da Silva.

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ladrón