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.
Buttigieg's 97th and final appearance in a friendly game against England on June 3, 2000, at Ta' Qali Stadium. In an interview in May 2001, he mentioned that he was "not well treated" by the Malta Football Association due to not being able to reach 100 caps despite additional friendlies.