His 97th and final cap came in a 2–1 friendly defeat to England at the Ta' Qali Stadium on 3 June 2000. In an interview in May 2001, Buttigieg revealed he felt he "wasn't treated well" by the Malta Football Association as he was denied a chance to reach 100 caps, despite three additional friendlies being scheduled to take place after the England game.
His 97th and final appearance occurred in a 2–1 friendly match against England at Ta' Qali Stadium on June 3, 2000. In an interview in May 2001, Buttigieg stated he "wasn't well treated" by the Malta Football Association because he was not given the opportunity to reach 100 caps, despite three additional friendlies being arranged after the England game.