* Argentine President Milei traveled to Brazil for launch

event

* Israel's Netanyahu sent a video address to nominating

convention

* Brazilians blanch at Trump's tariffs, Lula leads in the

polls

By Luciana Magalhaes

SAO PAULO, July 25 (Reuters) - Brazilian Senator Flavio

Bolsonaro, eldest son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, on

Saturday formally launched his bid to challenge President Luiz

Inacio Lula da Silva in October's election, showcasing support

from Argentine President Javier Milei, an AI-generated message

from his jailed father and a video address from Israeli Prime

Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Bolsonaro pledged tax cuts and a tougher stance on crime,

and stressed his commitment to carrying forward his father's

political legacy.

"Here is Bolsonaro's blood," he said in an emotional tone to

supporters who waved green and yellow flags. The arena in Sao

Paulo where he spoke was nearly full, but not quite.

Former President Jair Bolsonaro is currently under house

arrest for his role in an attempt to overturn the election where

Lula defeated him.

Milei delivered a fiery speech criticizing Lula and

declaring that Bolsonaro can "save" Brazil from socialism. The

Argentine president flew to Brazil the night before the event

and met on Saturday with Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio de

Freitas.

"We will continue offering our testimony everywhere against

the lies of socialism," Milei said.

Brazil's presidency did not immediately respond to a request

seeking comment.

Former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro, Flavio's stepmother,

also appeared via video message to offer her endorsement, in a

speech addressed to women voters. The two recently reconciled

following a public dispute that played out in videos exchanged

on social media.

"Flavio, may God bless and protect your candidacy," she said

in the video message.

In December, the senator secured his father's endorsement to

run in this year's election. But his campaign lost its early

momentum in May, after leaked messages linked him to jailed

banker Daniel Vorcaro, whom he later acknowledged had financed a

film about his father's political career.

Bolsonaro's popularity was also dented by the dispute with

Michelle Bolsonaro and by his close ties to U.S. President

Donald Trump, who has imposed tariffs on Brazilian goods.

A Datafolha poll released on Friday showed Lula leading

Bolsonaro 48% to 43% in a runoff, up from 47% to 43% in June.

Flavio Bolsonaro has struggled to forge political alliances.

Center-right parties have so far decided to stay neutral rather

than endorse his candidacy.

Supporters at the launch event remained optimistic about his

prospects.

"Brazil has to change. There were no scandals linked to

Flavio Bolsonaro. This is coming from the left," said Leandro

Aguilar, 44, a São Paulo resident who attended the event with

his family.

Janete Rubio, 68, appeared highly emotional throughout the

gathering, at times crying or else dancing to music while draped

in Brazilian and U.S. flags.

"Brazil is very rich, but it is being underestimated.

Together, with the strength of the United States and the

strength of Trump, we will succeed," she said.