Analysis
Video recordings and multiple news reports from the 8 August 2021 press conference quote Messi saying, "I have always said that my dream was to finish my career at Barcelona, but sometimes things don’t go as you’d like." The wording varies slightly across outlets, but the core sentiment matches the statement. No credible source contradicts this attribution.
Background
After FC Barcelona announced they could not register Messi due to financial fair play constraints, Messi held an emotional press conference announcing his departure. He reflected on his lifelong ambition to end his playing days at the club, acknowledging that circumstances prevented it.
Verdict summary
Messi indeed said he had always dreamed of finishing his career at Barcelona during his August 2021 farewell press conference.