With Lionel Messi having been slapped with a two-week unpaid suspension by Paris Saint-Germain, just how much he is set to lose out on in wages has now reportedly been revealed.
Messi's relationship with the French club appears to have quickly soured after the player was punished earlier this week for traveling to Saudi Arabia, where he is a tourism ambassador, without permission.
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His actions led to much anger in Paris, with a group of PSG supporters taking to the club's headquarters to protest against the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner on Wednesday night.
It is now believed his exit from the Parc des Princes at the end of the season is all but done, despite initial reports suggesting that the Parisians were keen to extend his contract before it expires in June.
With the 35-year-old set to miss games against relegation strugglers Troyes and Ajaccio this month, it is understood he will also forfeit huge sums of cash as a result of his suspension from duty.
According to Forbes, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner will lose out on a hefty €1.7 million (R34.2 million) in wages due to the ban imposed on him by his club.
It has also been claimed that while Messi was in Riyadh, he held talks with Al Hilal over a potential move as he eyes the next step in his glittering career.
The Saudi giants are believed to be willing to pay the Argentine a mind-blowing £400 million (R9.1 billion) for just one season, which would smash arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo's wages at Al Nassr, according to Sky Sports.
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Saudi Arabia tourism minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb welcomed the Argentina captain's recent controversial visit to the country, taking to Twitter to write: "I am happy to welcome Messi and his family to Saudi to enjoy the magical tourist destinations and authentic experiences. We welcome visitors from all around the world to experience a unique trip to Saudi Arabia and its hospitality."
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