Brazil’s Lula cancels visit to avoid Argentine leader Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva…

Albares described the incident as unique in diplomatic history. “There is no precedent for a head of state who goes to another country’s capital to insult its institutions and flagrantly interfere in its internal affairs,” he said.

Hector Daher, one of the leading figures in the workers’ unions, described the 24-hour strike as a message to President Javier Milei. Daher urged Milei to reconsider some of the reductions in subsidies and social programs.

On Tuesday, tens of thousands of people took to the streets of the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires to protest against cuts to public universities. The protesters called for education funding to be protected. The country’s new President, Javier Milei, was elected to office last year promising to bring Argentina’s finances under control with sweeping cuts to the public sector.

Brazil, the defending champions, have failed to qualify for Paris 2024 after a 1-0 loss to Argentina. 

Brazil had been eyeing up a third consecutive gold in the men’s Olympic football tournament. They have won a men’s football medal at the past four Olympics.

Argentina, who won gold in 2004 and 2008, finished the final qualifying event with five points.

Protests erupted in Buenos Aires on Wednesday as police clashed with demonstrators while lawmakers deliberated on a contentious bill put forth by newly-elected President Javier Milei.