diff --git a/lib/action_cable/connection/base.rb b/lib/action_cable/connection/base.rb
index e97d40c9419ce..1548447d7472e 100644
--- a/lib/action_cable/connection/base.rb
+++ b/lib/action_cable/connection/base.rb
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ def on_open
         end
 
         def on_message(message)
-          message_buffer.append event.data
+          message_buffer.append message
         end
 
         def on_close