Thomas Müller made the big move to MLS in summer 2025, joining Vancouver Whitecaps after a legendary career at Bayern Munich. The German striker brought huge expectations with him, adding another European star to a league already buzzing with Lionel Messi's presence.
But after several months in North America, Müller has some surprisingly honest thoughts about soccer culture in the United States. And let's just say, it's not exactly what he expected.
The Cultural Gap That Caught Müller Off Guard
In a recent chat with Men In Blazers, Müller didn't hold back about his first impressions. "Football here still doesn't have much relevance in the life of the general population," he explained. "It's not talked about in the office on a Monday morning."
That's quite a change for someone who spent his entire career in Germany, where soccer dominates everyday conversation. Müller came from packed stadiums and a country where football is basically a religion, so the American sports landscape feels different.
However, Müller was quick to point out that the actual matchday experience tells a different story. "But the football bubble is actually not that small," he said. "In the stadium there is an euphoric atmosphere. People are interested in the game."
The Messi Rivalry Continues in MLS
Müller's debut season in MLS was actually pretty successful on the pitch. Vancouver made it all the way to the final, where they faced none other than Lionel Messi's Inter Miami.
Unfortunately for Müller, his good record against Messi finally came to an end. Inter Miami took the title, leaving the German striker hungry for revenge in 2026.
The good news? Vancouver has started the new season perfectly with two wins from two games. That's got to have bookmakers taking notice for any early season championship odds.
After winning seemingly everything there was to win in Germany, Müller now has his sights set on MLS glory. But with Messi looking to defend his title, it won't be easy. The battle between these two legends promises to be one of the most exciting storylines in MLS this season, and punters should definitely keep an eye on how this rivalry develops throughout 2026.
