Ibarra began his career at CF Monterrey, where after spending several years in the youth squads, made his debut at the professional level on February 10, 2002 in a game against Celaya. In his first full game, Ibarra made a favorable impression by shutting out Chivas by a score of 3–0. His initial success prompted then-coach, José Treviño, to name him the starter. Ibarra responded by allowing 21 goals in 12 games. However, the following season he would be benched, only seeing action in two games. The next season, Ibarra filled in for starting goalkeeper Ricardo Martínez in 11 games, while Martínez recovered from an injury. Juan de Dios stepped up to the challenge and allowed only 14 goals in that span. However, when Martínez returned, Ibarra was relegated to the bench and watched from the sidelines as Monterrey won the championship that very season, under Argentine coach Daniel Passarella.